Ekapada Koundinyasana I

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I (IPA: [eːkɐ pɐd̪ɐ koːund̪inɟɑːsɐnɐ]; Sanskrit: एक पद कोउन्दिन्यासन; IAST: eka pada koundinyāsana I) one-legged Sage Koundinya's pose is an asana.

Etymology

The asana is dedicated to the sage Koundinya. This twisting arm-balance asana is a derived version of Koundinyasana (named after sage Koundinya) wherein the strong twist initiated by the legs stimulates the digestive organs and rejuvenates the spine. The asana improves balance and focus as it engages the muscles of the body and helps the mind remain stable.

The name comes from the Sanskrit words, Eka (Sanskrit: एक) meaning "one", "pada" (Sanskrit: पद) meaning "foot", and "koudinya" (Sanskrit: कोउन्दिन्य) being the name of an Indian sage, and asana (Sanskrit: आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".

Description

Eka Pada Koundinyasana is traditionally entered from tripod headstand, but one can also get into the asana from Parsva Bakasana. Get the knee far enough up the triceps of the opposite arm before bending the elbows so that the core is fully engaged and the leg is less likely to slide down, making more work for the arms.

Benefits

• The pressure of the legs on the abdomen in this asana massages the abdominal organs.
• The spinal twist strengthens and rejuvenates the spine.
• Strengthens arms and neck.