YanvaYoga > Yoga Poses > Flying Crow Pose

Flying Crow Pose - Eka Pada Bakasana

Flying Crow Pose - YanvaYoga

Contents

Flying Crow Pose or Eka Pada Bakasana is an asymmetrical arm-balancing asana and part of the primary series of Ashtanga yoga.

Eka pada bakasana is derived from the Sanskrit eka meaning “one,” pada meaning “foot,” baka, meaning “crane,” and asana, meaning “pose.” Therefore, it may also be referred to as One-Legged Crane pose in English. It is also sometimes referred to as One-Legged Crow pose (Eka Pada Kakasana); however, in the crow variation, the arms are bent, while in the crane variation, the arms are straight.

Pose Detail

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Begin by coming into Bakasana, your palms are placed at the shoulder-distance apart. There is a gap in between the fingers and the knees are placed behind the upper arms while the gaze shifted to the forwarding direction.
Step 2
As you reach the final of Bakasana, prepare the upper body to experience a weight change. By gripping the floor tighter and the forearms firmer than before along with a slight inward movement of elbows.
Step 3
Now, gradually shift your weight more on the right arm and then, lift off the left leg from its position towards the middle of the torso. After that, extend your leg in the air. The gaze remains in the middle of the forwarding direction.
Step 4
This is the final position of the Eka Pada Bakasana. Hold here for as long as it is comfortable without straining. Then return slowly by bending and bringing the left leg closer to the middle torso.
Step 5
Now, rest it on the back of the left upper arm by stabilizing the shoulder and forearms. Finally, into the Bakasana and then repeat the same asana with the left arm also. Ultimately, into the Bakasana and then release it as well to relax the body.

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Strengthens the arms, wrists, neck, and shoulders

Opens the hips

Strengthens the core

Improves balance

Contraindications

Wrist, shoulder, or lower back injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Pregnancy

Photo poses in different angles

Modifications, Props & Tips

There are a number of variations to lighten or extend this pose. As a beginner, you may use a bolster between your hands or a block underneath your feet.

In case, you are an advanced practitioner, with each exhale try to bring your back leg higher. Also, bringing the forearm of your free arm to your mat will bring you a new challenge to perform this pose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations

Top Preparatory Poses

Top Follow-up Poses

Iana Varshavska
Iana Varshavska
Website administrator

A digital marketer in love with yoga and everything that goes along with it. In 2021, her huge passion for yoga led her to yoga teacher trainings. After successfully completing her studies, Iana received her Yoga Alliance U.S. certification, left the corporate IT world and devoted herself to the development of Yanva. To be able to create the best online yoga space for yoga enthusiasts like her, Iana is constantly learning and improving her skills in various aspects of yoga philosophy, anatomy and biomechanics. Since 2021, she has continued to attend various types of teacher training, including yoga therapy, gives online and offline classes, and conducts local workshops for people who want to learn more about yoga. At the moment, Iana continues to work on her personal practice, improving her hand balancing skills, as well as developing her own training programs.