Side Crow Pose

Sanskrit: Parsva Kakasana

PARSH-vah kah-KAH-sah-nah

Benefits

Strengthens shoulders, abs and wrists
Massages abdominal organs
Develops body awareness and focus

Standard Cues

Begin in Chair. Bring palms in front of your chest.

Twist your torso to the left with an exhale. Press your right upper arm against the outside of your left thigh, as high on your arm as possible.

Bend your knees deeply and place both hands flat on the floor to your left. Lift heels as needed. Shift forward. Focus your gaze at one point below you and lift your toes toward your buttocks. Work toward straightening your arms and bringing your shins parallel to the floor.

Balance in the pose and take slow, deep breaths.

Lower with an exhale. Rise back to Chair with an inhale. Change sides.

Modification

Rest your bottom hip on the back of the other arm. Keep the arms bent.

Short Cues and options

Strongly engage core
Draw heels toward buttocks
Place thigh high on upper arm
Focus your gaze beneath you
Spread fingers wide

Precautionary Warnings

Avoid this pose if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, or low back or wrist injury.

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