Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Flying Pigeon Pose Mean?
Flying pigeon pose is an arm-balancing posture that is an advanced variation of pigeon pose. This challenging posture requires upper body and core strength, balance and a considerable degree of flexibility in the hips.
Begin in chair pose then cross the right ankle over the left thigh, bending the torso forward over the right shin until the palms can be brought to the floor. The toes of the right foot hook around the left upper arm as the arms are brought into a chaturanga position. Then the body weight is shifted forward until the left leg can lift, eventually straightening it behind the body. Repeat on the opposite side.
The Sanskrit name for flying pigeon pose is eka pada Galavasana.
Yogapedia Explains Flying Pigeon Pose
Flying pigeon pose is considered very beneficial for the physical body in a number of ways. It helps by:
- Strengthening the arms, shoulders and wrists.
- Improving the balance.
- Toning the core muscles.
- Stretching the hips.
- Stimulating the digestion process.
It is a good idea to prepare for flying pigeon pose posture by thoroughly warming the body with Sun Salutations, performing hip-opening postures, and strengthening the arms with postures such as chaturanga dandasana and crow pose.
It is important in the posture to hug the arms in toward the midline, and to keep the back leg active so that the weight of the leg does not pull the body out of the posture.
For those with hip, knee or wrist injuries, pigeon pose may be practiced instead.
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