Garudasana (gah-roo-DAH-sah-nah[1][needs IPA]; Sanskrit: गरुडासन; IAST: Garuḍāsana) or Eagle Pose is an asana.
== Etymology Technique==# Slightly bend your knees, lift your left leg balancing the body on the right leg. Place the left thigh over the right thigh.# Wrap the shin of your left leg around the calf of the right leg. Hook the top of the left foot in the lower right calf. Balance the body on right leg.# Raise the arms in front and parallel to the floor, palms facing upward direction. Next, cross your arms placing the right arm above the left arm.# Bend the elbows making the forearms perpendicular to the floor. Wrap the left forearm around and under the right forearm. Rest your left hand’s fingers firmly on your right palm. Keep the spine erect.# Focus your gaze at a fixed point at a distance of 4-5 feet away. This is the final position. Hold the pose for 15 to 20 seconds taking deep breaths.# To return, gently release the arms first and then the legs to come back in starting position. Take 3 deep and long breaths, practice from the other side by interchanging the position of legs and arms.<ref name="Technique"/>
The name comes from the Sanskrit words garuda meaning "eagle", and asana meaning "posture" or "seat".==Technique in pictures/animation==
In Hindu mythology Garuda is known as the king of birds. He transports the God Vishnu and is eager to help humanity fight against demons. The word is usually rendered into English as "eagle," though according to one dictionary the name literally means "devourer," because Garuda was originally identified with the "all-consuming fire of the sun's rays".
== Description Effects==* Stretches the hips, thighs, shoulders and upper back.* Improves balance.* Strengthens the calves.* Helps alleviate sciatica and rheumatism.* Loosens the legs and hips, making them more flexible.<ref name="Effects"/>
This standing asana may enhance concentration==Related Asanas==* [[Adho Mukha Svanasana]]* [[Gomukhasana]]* [[Prasarita Padottanasana]]* [[Supta Virasana]]* [[Supta Baddha Konasana]]* [[Upavistha Konasana]]* [[Virasana]] ==Special requisites==It is essential to practice this pose correctly to avoid injury. * Avoid practicing Garudasana in case you have had a recent knee, ankle or shoulder injury.* Eagle pose should not be attempted if you suffer from any of these conditions: Obesity, frequent headaches, high or low blood pressure or asthma.* Pregnant women must avoid practicing Eagle Pose as well. ==Initial practice notes==As beginners, you might find it difficult to tangle your arms around each other. It focuses To make it easier, stretch your arms out, such that they are parallel to the floor. Hold onto the ends of a strap. Now, as you hold on to the anklesstrap tightly, calves, thighs, hips try and shoulderswrap your hands into position.<ref name="Initial practice notes"/> ==References== <references> <ref name="Technique">[http://www.finessyoga.com/yoga-asanas/garudasana-eagle-pose-steps-benefits "Methodology"]</ref> <ref name="Initial practice notes">[http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/garudasana-eagle-pose/#Beginner’sTips "Beginers tips"]</ref> <ref name="Effects">[https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/yoga-poses/garudasana-eagle-pose "Health benefits"]</ref> </references> ==External Links==* [https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/eagle-pose Garudasana on yogajournal.com]* [https://easyayurveda.com/2018/03/25/garudasana-eagle-pose/ Garudasana on easyayurveda.com]* [http://stylesatlife.com/articles/garudasana-eagle-pose/ Garudasana on stylesatlife.com]
[[Category:Yoga]]
