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Your daily yoga pose: release tension and stress in your hips and lower back
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, the Pigeon Pose, is a powerful hip opener that releases tension and stress in the hips and lower back. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of Pigeon Pose and how to modify it for your body.
Pigeon Pose, also known as Eka Pada Rajakapotasana in Sanskrit, is a popular and powerful yoga pose that targets the hips and lower back. It is a great pose for those who spend long hours sitting or standing, as it helps to release tension and stress in the hip area.
To come into Pigeon Pose, start in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the ground. Bring your right knee towards your right wrist, and slide your right foot towards your left wrist. Your right shin should be diagonal to your body, and your right foot should be flexed. Slide your left leg back, and rest the top of your left foot on the ground. If this is uncomfortable, you can use a block or folded blanket under your right hip for support. Slowly lower your torso towards the ground, resting your forearms and forehead on the ground.
If this feels too much, grab a block and put it underneath your center, like this:
Our top reccomendation for eco-friendly blocks are JBM Cork Yoga Blocks are eco-friendly and sustainable.
Pigeon Pose has many benefits for the body and mind. It helps to stretch the hip flexors, which can become tight from prolonged sitting. It also helps to release tension and stress in the lower back, as well as improve posture and spinal alignment. Pigeon Pose can also help to stimulate the internal organs and improve digestion, as well as calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
If you have tight hips or knee pain, there are modifications you can make to make Pigeon Pose more accessible. You can use a block or folded blanket under your right hip for support, or use a strap to help you ease into the pose. You can also try performing the pose while sitting on a chair, with your right ankle resting on your left thigh.
As with any yoga pose, it is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too far. If you feel pain or discomfort, come out of the pose and try a modification or consult with a yoga teacher for guidance.
Incorporating Pigeon Pose into your daily yoga practice can help to release tension and stress in your hips and lower back, as well as improve your overall posture and alignment. Give it a try and see how it can benefit your body and mind.