One-Legged King Pigeon Pose - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

About One-Legged King Pigeon Pose

This yoga pose is one of the more challenging ones and requires the yoga follower to have mastered the beginner and intermediate asanas to be prepared for this one. It is classified as a back bend and a profound hip opener. Perform poses such as the tree pose and extended triangle pose to prepare your muscles for this difficult king pigeon pose.

Step by Step Instructions

Let’s take a look at the guidelines for executing the king pigeon pose!

1. Perform the pigeon pose first. This is a milder form of the one-legged king pigeon pose. Beginners can practice the pigeon pose before incorporating the more complicated body twists.
2. After you have assumed the pigeon pose, proceed to bend your left knee backwards.
3. Hold on to your toes with your left hand and extend your elbow up towards the ceiling.
4. Hold on to the left toes with your right hand also, and extend the right below upwards.
5. Tilt your head backwards until it touches the sole of your foot.
6. Maintain this pose for 30 seconds to one minute.

Health Benefits of One-Legged King Pigeon Pose

This challenging pose has numerous health benefits!

1. Stretches and opens up the hips, shoulders and chest.
2. Stretches the groin, leg muscles, thighs and back.
3. Enhances the flexibility of the spine.
4. Stimulates the abdominal and reproductive organs.
5. Builds up on your mental focus and concentration.
6. Releases the tension from the back, shoulders and hip region.
7. Helps to improve your posture.

Things to Remember!

Individuals with knee, ankle or sacroiliac injuries, or tight thighs and hips, should consult their health practitioners before attempting the one-legged king pigeon pose. Beginners should not perform this pose as they may injure themselves.