Dragonfly pose

Dragonfly pose or Parsva bhuja dandasana is an advanced yoga pose where entire body will balance on arm strength. It is a difficult arm balance pose and should be performed under guidance of an instructor. The pose relies on arm, core and leg. The pose strengthens body, helps to balance and strengthens spine and back. It is a hip opener and gives flexibility to legs and hip -www.healthylife.werindia.com

 Dragonfly Pose

LEVEL : Advanced

Anatomy :Arms, Back, Hips, Shoulders

Pose Type :Arm Balance, Hip Opener

Sanskrit :Parsva Bhuja Dandasana (pars-vah bhuu-jah dahn-DAHS-anna) parsva = side, flank

bhuja = arm, shoulder danda = staff

BENEFITS

• Challenges and improves balance
• Tones the abdominal organs
• Strengthens the shoulders, arms, and back
• Opens the hips
• Tones the legs
• Boosts confidence and inner strength

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Pregnancy
• Wrist, shoulder, or low back injuries

HOW TO

1. Stand in Tadasana (Mountain pose). Cross your right ankle just above your left knee and flex your foot.
2. Lower into a squat, balancing on your left toes. Bring your fingertips to the floor.
3. Twist your upper body to the left. Position the arch of your right foot against the back of your right arm. Place your palms on the floor to your left, shoulder-width apart.
4. Bend your elbows and shift your bodyweight into your hands. Extend your left leg to the right and draw your elbows together.
5. Balance in the pose for several breaths. Exhale and bend your left leg, then slowly release the pose. Change sides.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

Alternatives:

• Crane/ Crow pose (Bakasana)
• One-Legged King Pigeon pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

Modifications:

• Place a pillow underneath your head to relieve the fear of falling.

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

• Bound Angle pose (Baddha Konasana)
• Pigeon pose (Kapotasana)
• Crow pose (Bakasana)
• Side Crow pose (Parsva Bakasana)

After:

• Gorilla pose (Padahastasana)
• Garland pose (Malasana)

TEACHING CUES

• Activate your core.
• Powerfully reach your bottom leg out to the side.

VARIATIONS

• Find grace and mindfulness coming into and out of the pose.

WATCH OUT FOR

• Hands too wide or too narrow

This article with image published here with permission from https://beyogi.com