One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose - Eka Pada Paripurna Vrschikasana
Contents
One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose or Eka Pada Paripurna Vrschikasana (eh-kah PAH-dah par-ee-POOR-nah vrish-chee-KAH-sah-nah) is an advanced yoga pose that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, balance, and control. This pose is a variation of Scorpion Pose, which is a challenging inversion that involves bringing both feet towards the head while balancing on the forearms.
Eka pada paripurna vrschikasana comes from the Sanskrit eka, which means “one”, pada which means “leg”, paripurna which means “full” or “complete”, vrschika which means “scorpion” and asana, which means “posture” or “seat.”
Pose Detail
- Difficulty: Advanced
- By Type: Arm Balance Yoga Poses, Balancing Yoga Poses, Chest Opening Yoga Poses, Flexibility Yoga Poses, Strengthening Yoga Poses
- Body Position: Backbend Yoga Poses, Inversion Yoga Poses
Step-by-Step Instructions
Benefits and Contraindications
Improves balance and focus
Strengthens the arms, shoulders and back
Stretches the chest, neck, spine and abdominals
High blood pressure
Shoulder or back injury
A heart condition
Pregnancy
Modifications and Props
- Use a wall for support: Practicing One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose against a wall can provide extra support and stability. Start in a forearm plank position with your feet against the wall, then walk your feet up the wall as you lift your right leg off the ground and reach towards your head.
- Practice with a strap: Using a strap can help you gradually work towards the full expression of the pose. Loop a strap around your right foot and hold onto the ends with your hands as you lift your leg off the ground and extend it towards the ceiling.
Useful Tips
- It’s important to practice this pose with caution, as it requires a high level of strength and control.
- If you are not able to lift your leg off the ground or balance on your forearm, you can practice preparatory exercises to build the necessary strength and flexibility.
- Always listen to your body and avoid pushing beyond your limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose is an advanced yoga posture that requires a high degree of flexibility, strength, and balance. This pose is not suitable for beginners or those with injuries or medical conditions that affect the hips, thighs, or spine. It is recommended to practice under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.
Some common mistakes to avoid in One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose include collapsing the shoulders, arching the lower back, and straining the neck. It is important to maintain a stable base on the standing leg, engage the core muscles, and keep the spine straight.
To deepen your One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose, you can practice hip-opening and backbending poses regularly, engage the core muscles, and maintain a steady breath throughout the pose. You can also use props, such as blocks or a strap, to help support your body and improve your alignment.
Variations
- Scorpion Pose
- One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose Against The Wall
- One-Legged Stretched Out Scorpion Pose With A Strap
