One-legged King Pigeon Pose A - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Contents
One-Legged King Pigeon Pose or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (eka “one” + pada “foot or leg” + raja “king” + kapota “pigeon” + asana “pose”) is a beautiful and deep backbending posture. This challenging pose requires a great deal of anatomical intelligence, flexibility, and core strength to safely reach its fullest expression.
This is certainly not a posture that can be attained through just one practice, so creating a sequence around this pose does not necessarily guarantee it will immediately be achievable. And that is okay. Practice anyway. Continue to practice and, overtime, you will find this asana becoming more and more attainable.
Pose Detail
- Difficulty: Advanced, Intermediate
- By Type: Chest Opening Yoga Poses, Flexibility Yoga Poses, Hip Opening Yoga Poses, Shoulder Opening Yoga Poses
- Body Position: Seated Yoga Poses
- By Benefit: Yoga Poses For Stress Relief
Step-by-Step Instructions
Benefits and Contraindications
Opens the chest and lungs
Deeply stretches the hips
Stretches the abdominal organs
Sacroiliac injury
Ankle injury
Knee injury
Dislocated shoulder
Photo poses in different angles
Modifications, Props ana Tips
If you cannot lower the hip of the front leg to the floor, support it with a folded blanket or a block.
The position of your front foot will depend on your anatomy and flexibility. You can keep the shin parallel to the hips, or move the ankle close to your groin. Both versions are correct – as long as you feel no pain.
This pose is both a deep back bend and a deep hip-opener. For this reason, never perform it without a proper warm-up. It would be best to do it towards the end of your practice.
Keep the toes of your front leg flexed to protect the knee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations
- One-Legged King Pigeon Pose B
- Seated Pigeon Pose
- Reclining Pigeon Pose
