FORMIDABLE POSE
Sanskrit Name – Bhairavasana
Sanskrit Name Meaning – Bhairav – Formidable, Asana - Pose
Type of Asana – Reclining Yoga Pose
Target Areas – Hip Flexors, Legs, Abdomen and Arms
WHAT IS FORMIDABLE POSE (BHAIRAVASANA)?
Formidable Pose (Bhairavasana) is a hip opening pose dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Destroyer. It’s an advanced variation of Side Plank Pose (Vashistasana). This asana is physically challenging but when practiced properly increases strength and mental calmness.
DO NOT PRACTICE FORMIDABLE POSE (BHAIRAVASANA) IF:
You have a neck, back, hips, back or leg injury
You have a hernia
BENEFITS OF FORMIDABLE POSE (BHAIRAVASANA)
Strengthens your legs, back and hip flexors
Improves digestion
Stretches and strengthens abdominal muscles
Calms the mind, relieves stress, fatigue and soothes the nervous system
HOW TO PRACTICE FORMIDABLE POSE (BHAIRAVASANA) IN 3 EASY STEPS
Begin in Staff Pose (Dandasana). Bend your right knee and grab you right foot with your left hand. Bring your right elbow under your right knee and lift your right leg. Take your right knee behind your right shoulder and hold on to your right calf. Rotate your hips and draw your right foot behind your head.
Inhale and lengthen the spine whilst pressing the right palm and left foot on the floor. Take up Side Plank Pose on the right side.
Raise your left arm straight up and gaze upwards. Breathe deeply and stay in this pose for as long as is comfortable. Repeat on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES
Wild Thing Pose – Camatkarasana
Side Plank Pose – Vasisthasana
Seated Cradle – Hindolasana
FOLLOW UP POSES
Sage Visvamitrasana – Visvamitrasana
Partridge Pose - Kapinjalasana