Garudasana (Egle Pose)

How To Do Garudasana

• Begin in mountain pose.
• Inhale when raising the arms up to shoulder level with palms facing up. Arms and shoulders should be relaxed.
• Cross left arm over the right so that the elbows rest on top of each other.
• Bend your elbows, wrapping our forearms around each other with palms facing each other. Your fingers should point to the ceiling. If the palms do not touch, keeps one palm resting against the other wrist or forearm.
• Slightly bend the knees and shift your body weight to the other leg.
• Cross right leg over the left just above the knee.
• Place the right foot behind your left lower leg and hook the foot over the left calf or ankle. If you are unable to reach the left calf, place the right foot next to left lower leg.
• The crown of your head should be pointed toward the ceiling and look straight ahead. Imagine the spine running straight through the body.
• Remain in this pose for 30 to 60 seconds and then come back to mountain pose.
• Repeat steps from 2 to 9 with the opposite arm and leg crossing over in steps 3 and 6.

The Benefits Of Garudasana

• This asana helps to stretch the thighs, hips, upper back, and shoulders.
• It helps you focus and also improves your ability to balance.
• The calf muscles get strengthened with this asana.
• It also helps to relieve pain associated with rheumatism and sciatica.
• It helps to make the back, legs, and hips more flexible.
• This asana also works as a stress buster.

Precautions And Contraindications

• It is best to avoid this asana if you have had a recent ankle, knee, or elbow injury.
• Pregnant women must seek medical consent before they practice this asana.