Name Of The Asana: Koundinyasana (कोउन्दिन्यासन) or Sage Kaundinya’s Pose
Type of Yoga: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Level of Yoga: Advanced
Duration: As per your capability or 30 to 60 seconds
Targeted Area: Arms, Legs, shoulder
Strengthens: Arm balance
Koundinyasana (Sage Kaundinya’s pose), is often also known as the “flying splits”. It’s an arm balance pose that challenges its practitioner’s mind and body at every single moment. This pose is dedicated to the sage Koundinya, which is why it is named so.
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What does it mean by Koundinyasana (Sage Kaundinya’s Pose)?
The term Koundinyasana is a Sanskrit language word.
The first word “Koundinya (कोउन्दिन्य)” is the name of an Indian sage called Kaundinya
The second word is “Asana (आसन)” means “Yoga Pose”
This Asana has 2 variations. Eka Pada Koundinyasana and dvi Pada Koundinyasana.
“Eka (एक)” means “One”
“Dvi (द्वि)” means “two”
“Pada (पद)” means “Leg”
This asana is by tradition entered from the tripod headstand. However, one can as well get into this asana from the Parsva Bakasana. It is basically a hand-balancing yoga posture in modern yoga.
NOTE:
Since this pose dedicated to sage Kaundinya, it is named after him as Koundinyasana.
Preparatory Poses Of Koundinyasana:
- Parsva Bakasana or Side Crane Pose
- Parivrtta Trikonasana or Revolved Triangle Pose
- Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana or Dolphin Plank Pose
- Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana or High Lunge Pose
Method of Doing The Eka Pada Koundinyasana:
Start the pose by forming the Downward Facing Dog Posture
Bending your elbows to lower your upper body and bring it closer to the floor
Shift your weight on your upper arms and take both legs up in the air
Lower your shoulders to the height of your elbows
Now slowly split the leg and take your left leg i.e. Left Thigh to your left side and place it on your left arm i.e. left triceps
This is the reason Eka Pada Koundinyasana is also called split legged pose
Breathe normally
Or you can also twist your hips to reach your left leg on your right arm triceps
Extend your leg as much as straight you can. (Do not create extra force)
Hold this posture for about 30 – 60 seconds
Now repeat all the steps with your left triceps.
Methods of Doing Dvi Pada Kouninyasana:
Start the pose by forming the Downward Facing Dog Posture
As already your hands on the floor, now just bend your elbows to lower your upper body and bring it closer to the floor
Shift your body weight on your upper arms and take both legs straight up in the air
Lower your shoulders to the height of your elbows
Now slowly bend your knees and place them on your left triceps
Breathe normally
Extend your legs as much as straight you can.
Do not create an extra force
Hold this posture for about 30 – 60 seconds
Now repeat all the steps on your right triceps
Follow-up Poses Of Koundinyasana:
- Kapotasana or Pigeon Pose)
- Trikonasana or triangle pose
Beginner’s Tips:
Precautions To Take While Performing Koundinyasana:
People with these following problems try to avoid practicing this pose:
Pregnant women should avoid practicing this yoga asana, or may ask for the doctor’s advice and/or expert’s supervision.
It is always advisable to practice this asana in an empty stomach. So, doing this asana in the morning will prove to be more beneficial
If you have Wrist problems then you are advised to avoid doing this asana
Patient of Carpel Tunnel syndrome are prohibited to practice this asana
In case you have a lower back injury then do not practice it
NOTE:
Practicing this asana wrongly can lead the individual to further wrist injury and more…
Benefits of the Koundinyasana:
- Regular practice of this asana helps to Stretch your leg muscles
- Reduces fat, especially from your abdominal part
- Helps immensely in increasing the focus with regular practice of this asana
- Strengthen your wrists, shoulders, and upper arms
- Provide body awareness and control
- Strong shoulders and core muscles
- Increases overall strength of your body
- Improves your flexibility and also increases the balance of your body
- Strengthen and rejuvenate your spine
- Increases digestion power by stimulating your abdominal organs
