Moon Bird Pose
Definition - What does Moon Bird
Pose mean?
Moon bird pose is an
advanced arm-balancing and leg-behind-the-head posture that requires strength
in the arms and shoulders, as well as flexibility, particularly in the hips and
legs.
In moon bird pose, one
leg wraps under the arm and behind the neck, while the other leg extends to the
sky. With the palms pressing into the ground alongside the hips, both arms
straighten, lifting the body off the mat.
The pose is also known
by its Sanskrit name, chakorasana. In Hindu mythology, the chakora is
a bird that lives on the light beams from the moon.
Yogapedia explains Moon Bird Pose
Moon bird pose is part
of the vinyasa in the third series of Ashtanga yoga. It has a
wide range of physical and emotional benefits, including:
- Stimulates
the nervous system
- Boosts
physical and mental energy
- Oxygenates
the blood
- Strengthens
the shoulders, arms and wrists
- Stretches
the hip flexor muscles
- Strengthens
the core
- Improves
both physical and emotional balance
- Stimulates
the abdominal organs
Yogis with hip, knee,
back, wrist or shoulder injuries or who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or
stomach ailments should avoid moon bird pose. Women who are pregnant should
also skip this posture.
