ASANAS - the postures of yoga

Asanas by first letter
B
C
D
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
K

Kapotanasana:   The Pigeon

kapotanasan508.jpg

Kapotanasna - the pigeon pose is often overlooked by many yoga students in spite of its many obvious benefits to those living a western lifestyle.  Hours spent slumped in front of TV or computer screens results in the lower back collapsing, abdominal muscles sag and lose their tone and the intestines and diaphragm are constricted inhibiting good digestion and peristaltic action and breathing.
From hands and knees, bring the right knee forwards as far as possible.  Stretch the lleft leg backwards and lower the hips to the floor.  Lift the torso as high as possible using the arms.  Bring the chest through and lift the face to the sky.
You should feel a good stretch in the front of the left leg and groin, at the same time as a inward curving of the spine. 
In this position many pelvic imbalances and lower back problems are corrected.  However as in all low back problems approach the posture with caution listening to your body.
In the illustration the lower leg is placed at an angle across the body, one of many variations in this asana



Kukutasana - Crow and variation

cranebalance.jpg

Kukutasana 2
crowsidebalance.jpg