Yoga: Two reasons you should not do Yoga Posture – the Eagle
The Eagle – (Garudasana)
The Sanskrit word ‘Garuda’ means an eagle, hence the name given to this posture.
The goal in the Yoga Posture Eagle is to squeeze everything together and keeping it in one line; the shoulders, hips,
knees and the ankles. This posture will keep you alert, and help your mind to focus on your direction in life.
The Yoga posture Eagle stretches and tones muscles of the legs that grow weak from our sedentary lifestyle. It
strengthens the ankles, knees and the legs, loosening the joints of the arms and the legs. It removes stiffness in
the shoulders and relieves neck tension.
The Eagle posture improves concentration, sense of balance and grace of the body. By regular practice of this
posture the joint mobility in the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, wrists, shoulders and of the scapula (shoulder blades)
are increased.
The Yoga Posture Garudasana is recommended for preventing cramps in the calf muscles and it relieves sciatica.
The Eagle posture brings so many important benefits to a practitioner. However, there are some health conditions in
which this posture should not be practiced.
Important: The more advanced version of the Eagle posture (the supportive leg is bent and the back remains
upright) should be approached with a lot of caution.This posture when hold for more than a few seconds may create
cardiovascular effects that can cause you to faint when you come out of it. Until you are certain of yourself it is best
to practice the beginner’s version.
Two important reasons not to do the Yoga Posture Eagle :
1) If you have knee injury avoid practicing this posture.
2) If you have injured your hip, stop doing this posture until healed and consulted with your doctor.
Note: In case of arm injury, you may keep your hands in a prayer pose, to avoid straining your shoulders and arms.
Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture
for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.
Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.
Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress
Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.