Astavakra means eight-crooks. This posture is dedicated to sage Astavakra who was born crooked in eight places because of a curse.
Steps:
- Stand with the feet about shoulder width apart
- Bend the knee. Place the right palm on the floor between the feet and the left palm a little in front of the left foot.
- Place the right thigh on the right upper arm above the elbow.
- Bring the left foot in between the hands and then interlock the feet by placing the left foot on the right ankle.
- Balance on the arm and then straighten both legs.
- Bend the elbow , lower the trunk and head until they are parallel to the floor. this is the final position.
- Straighten the arms and raise the trunk. Release the legs and lower them on the floor.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side
Benefits:
- Strengthens the arms, wrist arms shoulder
- Tones the abdominals and the inner thighs
- Improves the sense of balance.
Contraindications:
- Heart ailment, high blood pressure, back conditions, problem in the hips, carpal tunnel syndrome.