Side Crow Pose - Parsva Bakasana
Contents
is a powerful arm balance that can build physical strength in the abs and upper body, as well as inspire confidence, patience, flexibility, and fearlessness.
Instead of putting one knee on each arm as you would in Crow Pose or Crane Pose, Parsva Bakasana requires you to engage your obliques, take a deep twist, and stack both knees against one of your elbows.
Once you lift your feet and legs up into Parsva Bakasana, make whatever slight, subtle movements you need to help you find your balance. When you find your sweet spot, the pose feels effortless.
Pose Detail
- By Type: Arm Balance Yoga Poses, Balancing Yoga Poses, Strengthening Yoga Poses
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Body Position: Twist Yoga Poses
- By Benefit: Yoga Poses For Digestion
Step-by-Step Instructions
Benefits and Contraindications
Strengthens the shoulders, arms, wrists, and spine
Massages the abdominal organs and improves digestion
Improves spinal flexibility
Improves balance
Pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Wrist, shoulder, or low back injuries
Photo poses in different angles
Modifications, Props & Tips
While eventually you’ll want to support your legs solely on your right upper arm (the one closest to the front edge of your mat), at first you might find it more accessible to rest your left hip on your left upper arm, but take special care that your left shoulder doesn’t drop down. Stay broad through your chest and collarbones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do yourself a favor and ignore the yoga snobs – using a cork yoga block...
No, you aren’t any less of a yogi if you need to use a meditation...
Variations
Top Preparatory Poses
- Four Limbed Staff Pose
- Crow Pose
- The Pose Of The Sage Marichi III
