Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Pigeon Pose Mean?
Pigeon pose is a strong hip opener that improves flexibility throughout the body and prepares the yogi for more challenging poses in the king pigeon series.
Pigeon is a half split with one leg stretched back so the top of the foot presses into the mat and the other leg is bent in front with the calf resting on the ground. The torso lifts, opening the chest, with a slight arch in the back.
This pose is also known by its Sanskrit name, kapotasana.
Yogapedia Explains Pigeon Pose
Extended one-legged king pigeon pose is considered a variation of one-legged king pigeon pose. In the latter posture, the back leg bends so that the foot reaches toward the spine or the head.
In addition to opening the hips and improving flexibility, extended one-legged king pigeon offers the following benefits:
- Improves energy flow and blood circulation
- Improves focus and stills the mind
- Stimulates the reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems
- Improves digestion
As a modification to ease pressure on the hips, place a booster such as a folded blanket under the hip of the bent knee. For those with limited flexibility, slide the foot of the bent knee away from the hips. For a deeper stretch, move the foot of the bent knee closer to the hips.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
Synonyms
Extended One-Legged King Pigeon Pose
Classic Pigeon Pose