Kākāsana
Kakasana (Sanskrit: काकासन) or Crow Pose is an asana.
In many instances, Crow Pose is used interchangeably with Crane Pose (Bakasana) as both are poses where the hands are planted on the floor, the shins rest upon the upper arms, and the feet lift up.[1] Dharma Mittra makes a distinction between the poses as Kakasana being with arms bent and Bakasana with arms straight.[2]
Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words kak meaning "crow"[3] and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".[4]
Benefits
Kakasana is said to be good for strengthening the shoulders, arms and wrists, as well as the core muscles of the abdomen.
Variations
Variations of Kakasana include Parsva Kakasana[5] (Side Crow Pose)[6] where one thigh rests on the opposite upper arm and the other leg is stacked on top of the first; and also Eka Pada Kakasana[7] (One-legged Crow Pose — see photo) where one leg remains in Kakasana while the other extends straight back. Mayurasana, the Peacock Pose, can also be done as a variation of the Crow Pose. Crow Pose can also serve as a launching point for a full vertical handstand.[8]
See also
References
- ^ Belling, Noa (20 February 2008). The Yoga Handbook. New Holland Publishers. p. 159. ISBN 9781845379353. http://books.google.com/books?id=6rTnpOiFVEMC&pg=PT35. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
- ^ Mittra, Dharma (21 March 2003). Asanas: 608 Yoga Postures. New World Library. ISBN 9781577314028. http://books.google.com/books?id=ev8EAAAACAAJ. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
- ^ Kingsland, Kevin; Kingsland, Venika (1976). Complete hatha yoga. Arco Pub. Co.. p. 121. ISBN 9780668039581. http://books.google.com/books?id=GmdK1ZNOKroC. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD.. p. 18. ISBN 9788170412939. http://books.google.com/books?id=-zzRvh1fRzEC&pg=PA18. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Stearn, Jess (1965). Yoga, youth, and reincarnation. Doubleday. p. 348. http://books.google.com/books?id=VrPwAAAAIAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ "Parswa Kakasana". http://www.myyogahub.com/viewPhoto.php?fileID=62. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
- ^ Hewitt, James (3 January 1990). Complete Yoga Book. Schocken Books. p. 357. http://books.google.com/books?id=EntWAAAAYAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Iyengar, B.K.S. Light On Yoga. New York: Schocken Books, 1966.
Further reading
External links
Images
