Yoga: Two Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture – The Eagle

Yoga: Two Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture – The Eagle

The Eagle – (Garudasana)

The Sanskrit word ‘Garuda’ means an eagle, hence the name given to this posture.

The goal in the Eagle posture is to squeeze everything together and keeping it in one line; the shoulders, hips, knees and the ankles. This posture will keep you alert, and help your mind to focus on your direction in life.

The Eagle posture stretches and tones muscles of the legs that grow weak from our sedentary lifestyle. It strengthens the ankles, knees and the legs, loosening the joints of the arms and the legs. It removes stiffness in the shoulders and relieves neck tension.

The Eagle posture improves concentration, sense of balance and grace of the body.

By regular practice of this posture the joint mobility in the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, wrists, shoulders and of the scapula (shoulder blades) are increased. It opens the chest, hips, and back of the pelvis.

The Eagle posture improves the function of the central nervous system and the lymphatic system. It helps to gently squeeze toxins out of the legs. The Garudasana is recommended for preventing cramps in the calf muscles and it relieves sciatica.

Important: The more advanced version of the Eagle posture (the supportive leg is bent and the back remains upright) should be approached with a lot of caution. This posture when hold for more than a few seconds may create cardiovascular effects that can cause you to faint when you come out of it. Until you are certain of yourself it is best to practice the beginner’s version.

The Eagle posture brings so many important benefits to a practitioner. However, there are some health conditions in which this posture should not be practiced.

Two important reasons not to do the Eagle posture:

1) If you have knee injury avoid practicing this posture.

2) If you have injured your hip, stop doing this posture until healed and consulted with your doctor.

Note: In case of arm injury, you may keep your hands in a prayer pose, to avoid straining your shoulders and arms.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.