Eka Pada Pavanamuktasana

What Does Eka Pada Pavanamuktasana Mean?

Eka pada pavanamuktasana is a supine yoga pose that supports digestion, elimination and helps to release trapped gas in the abdomen.

To enter the pose, begin by lying down on a yoga mat. Bending the right leg, draw the knee in toward the chest. Use both hands around the lower part of the right knee and pull gently on the leg, pressing the knee into the chest. The left leg remains straight along the floor with the toes flexed back toward the face. Hold for a count of 10 breaths then slowly release and repeat on the left side.

The name comes from Sanskrit, eka, meaning "one," pada, meaning "leg," pavana, meaning "wind," and mukta, meaning "release." It is also known as one-legged wind-relieving pose.

Yogapedia Explains Eka Pada Pavanamuktasana

This asana works by massaging the inner organs by pressing the knees into the belly. It is a beginner friendly asana that is accessible to yogis of all levels.

Eka pada pavanamuktasana stimulates the manipura chakra, the center of willpower, personality and ego. It is also a great pose for stretching and relaxing the neck and lower back. It helps to stretch the hips and knees.

In a variation of this pose, the head lifts up and the forehead touches the bent knee. This works to stimulate the abdominal organs even more and helps to build core strength. If the hips feel tight in this variation of the pose, bend the extended leg, placing the sole of the foot on the mat.

Additional benefits of this pose include:

• Builds core strength
• Stimulates digestion
• Relaxes the lower back and neck
• Stretches the knees and hips
• Improves digestion and elimination
• Relieves gas