One-Legged King Pigeon Pose B - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana B

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose B - YanvaYoga

Contents

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose B, or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana B (eka “one” + pada “foot or leg” + raja “king” + kapota “pigeon” + asana “pose”), is an advanced pose that can be quite a challenge for yoga beginners. It requires a lot of flexibility and strength from the body. This pose is preferably performed at the end of the session to be warmed up. One-Legged King Pigeon Pose B is similar to its twin sister Eka Pada Rajakapotasana A with a slight variation. It is a great pose for the hip flexor muscles, digestive tract, and posture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Begin in Downward Facing Dog.
Step 2
Exhale and step the right foot forward between the hands.
Step 3
Place the back knee on the floor. Slide the right foot forward so that the pelvis is closer to the floor.
Step 4
Inhale and reach the right arm up. Lower the hand behind the back. At the same time, bend the left knee to lift the foot up. Grab hold of the toes.
Step 5
Inhale, then exhale and reach the left arm up and behind, grabbing hold of the toes.
Step 6
Inhale and expand the chest. Gaze toward the sky.
Step 7
Breathe while holding the pose
Step 8
Exhale and lower the foot. Step back to Downward Facing Dog and change sides.

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Stimulates abdominal organs

Stretches the hamstring, groin, thighs and shoulders

Boosts energy

Builds strength in the back.

Contraindications

Neck injury, knee, shoulder

Menstruation and pregnancy

Migraines

Photo poses in different angles

Modifications, Props and Tips

  • You can perform this posture with props to help you find your balance and gain strength in the pose. Come into the pose with a wall behind you so that the shin of your back leg presses slightly into the wall.
  • You can also place a block – at its lowest height – under the foot of your front leg to ease the strain on the front knee.
  • Then you can reach back and eventually grab your back foot behind you with your forearms pressing into the wall as well. Gradually you can work on pressing your pelvis down toward the floor.

Variations

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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.