Forearm Stand (Pincha Mayurasana)

Type: Balance

Level: Advanced

Steps:

Start off in dolphin pose (downward dog on forearms). Bring your weight over towards the arms, coming light on the feet and lifting one leg in the air as high as you can. Kick the raised leg backwards and shift the body weight to balance over your hips. Now your weight is on your palms and forearms as you balance. Keep the core engaged. Hold for a few breaths and slowly come back to the starting position on an exhale.

Props & Assistance:

Practice against a wall to help until you are comfortable with the balance.

Variations:

•Headstand •Handstand •Scorpion

Preparatory poses:

•Downward dog and dolphin help improve the strength in the arms. •Headstand helps get used to the balancing

Follow up poses:

•Dolphin •Downward dog •Scorpion

Benefits:

•Circulation

•Memory and concentration

•Strengthens arms and core

•Improves balance

•Helps with hair loss (stimulates hair follicles)

•Releases tension in shoulders and spine

Caution/Avoid:

•Menstruation •High or low blood pressure •Heart Disease •Vertigo

•This is an advanced posture and advisable that you practice under the guidance of an instructor

•If you are thinking of starting yoga and have a medical condition, it is advisable to check with your doctor.