Yoga BLOG

Eka pada galavasana - the flying dove
by Nick
on Nov 02 2023
Yoga teacher is helping young woman to make asana poses at gym.
When practicing Eka Pada Galavasana, the key is to give and receive. You draw energy toward the center of your body and simultaneously move energetically backward and forward from the center until you achieve a sense of balance and equilibrium. This pose is also known as the flying pigeon pose. Below, you'll learn how to perform it, what to pay attention to, and what positive effects you can achieve.
Eka pada galavasana - How to perform the flying pigeon pose?
You begin the yoga exercise standing up . Your feet are hip-width apart and your toes pointing forward. Bend forward, lower your upper body and place your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor. Keep your fingers spread and your arms bent. Bend your knees so that your hips and elbows are down. Then you lift your left leg off the floor. With your knee still bent, place it in the crook of your left arm and your left foot in the crook of your right arm. After that, you have to balance your body weight. As you do this, slowly move forward and lift your right leg into the air. Straighten your right leg. Stretch your neck and hold your head as high as possible. Stay in the asana for a few seconds. Then bring the leg back to the floor and end the asana. After that, you switch sides.
What effects can you achieve with Eka pada galavasana?
With this yoga exercise, you can significantly strengthen your arm muscles and wrists. Your neck, shoulders, and core will also be strengthened if performed regularly. The same applies to the back of your legs. The flying pigeon pose opens your hips. You can improve your balance and sense of equilibrium. The pressure of your foot against your stomach acts like a massage of your abdominal organs. This can stimulate digestion and help expel air from your body. Eka pada galavasana can tone your abdominal muscles. It can also improve concentration. When performed regularly, this pose boosts self-confidence and a sense of adventure.
What should I keep in mind when doing Eka pada galavasana?
When performing this yoga pose, make sure your shoulders are not tense and that your outstretched leg is active. At first, it will be a little difficult to maintain balance when you raise your right leg. But be patient; as you gain more confidence, it will become easier. Once you're balancing on one leg, make sure you straighten the leg that's in the air. Don't let your head hang down. Generally, enter the pose very slowly. If you feel pain, stop and come out of it. This yoga pose is not recommended for people suffering from hand arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other wrist problems. People with shoulder, knee, or hip problems should also avoid this pose.
Conclusion
These were the tips on how to perform Eka pada galavasana correctly and what to pay attention to. It's an arm balance. With the front leg in a position similar to the pigeon pose, the arms are in a deep push-up position, and the other leg extends back and upwards. The flying pigeon pose requires flexibility, strength, and skill. Don't perform it mindlessly, but consciously. You'll experience clarity and joy while doing it. Express it externally and feel good about it.
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