Mayurasana (peacock pose) is a basic exercise, although the appearance suggests otherwise. This excellent balancing exercise requires strong wrists, arms and shoulders. The yoga posture has a detoxifying effect, which is praised by the Indian hatha yoga scripture Gheranda-samhita. Mayurasana looks spectacular. Some novice yoga practitioners impress others with it, as a kind of proof of what they have achieved in physical yoga. This asana indeed requires a lot of arm strength. Chaturanga dandasana is a good preparation in that respect.
Contents
- Origin of mayurasana (peacock pose)
- Technology
- Points of attention
- Elaboration
- Health effects of mayurasana (peacock pose)
- Therapy
Origin of mayurasana (peacock pose)
The Sanskrit word mayura means ‘peacock’. Asana means ‘(sitting) posture’ and forms the third phase of the eightfold yoga path of Patanjali ( Yoga-Sutras ). Mayurasana is one of the more difficult basic poses. The name of this yoga exercise is not coincidental. The peacock is a beautiful bird and an omnivore. In tropical places he even considers small snakes and scorpions as a tasty snack. The fact that these prey are poisonous does not seem to bother him.
Powerful effect
Mayurasana has a similarly powerful effect on the body and is praised in yoga circles for its detoxifying effect. The Gheranda-samhita , a classic hatha yoga scripture, roughly translates: ‘ Mayurasana eliminates unhealthy food and generates heat (digestive juices) in the stomach and pancreas. Stomach ache and fever are a thing of the past for those who diligently practice this useful yoga posture. ‘
Mayurasana (Peacock Pose) / Source: Drchirag patel, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)
Technology
In the initial phase of the practice of mayurasana you will have to battle with gravity, your sense of balance and with the muscle strength in your arms and abdomen, in which the elbows, as it were, ‘bury’ themselves.
- Kneel down with your knees and toes as support points. Keep the knees several inches apart.
- Bend forward and place the palms upside down on the floor, with the fingers pointing backwards, or towards the feet. The little fingers of both hands – do not spread the fingers – touch each other.
- Bend the elbows and press them together. Bend the upper body further forward, pressing the elbows into the stomach and diaphragm. The chest rests on the upper arms.
- Stretch the legs one at a time (or simultaneously). Hold them together. Also straighten the feet, with the soles of the feet pointing upwards. The body now ‘hangs’ parallel to the floor, with the hands and wrists being the only points of support.
- Stay in mayurasana for about a minute, practicing full yogic breathing to the extent possible. At first, you won’t be able to stay in mayurasana for long. Mastering the peacock pose takes dedication and perseverance.
- Return to the kneeling position in reverse order.
- Relax in savasana (corpse pose).
Points of attention
Keep the elbows together while completing mayurasana . The yoga pose requires a lot of arm strength and strong wrists. That’s why it’s so important to first master the basic preparatory yoga poses, such as chaturanga dandasana (four-limbed staff pose).
Stability
Mayurasana symbolizes the perfect interplay between body strength, gravity and sense of balance. The elbows press into the soft part of the abdomen and ultimately rest on the rectus abdominis muscle , whose function, among other things, is to bend the torso forward and which also provides stability while performing mayurasana.
Elaboration
This excellent balancing exercise ensures strong abdominal muscles. Mayurasana trains the musculature of the entire upper body, including the shoulders and arms. The peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract is also stimulated. An excellent exercise to prevent constipation. Mayurasana partly blocks the blood flow of the abdominal aorta, which benefits the blood flow to the digestive organs, such as the stomach, liver and pancreas. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may benefit greatly from mayurasana.
OM symbol / Source: Brenkee, Pixabay
Health effects of mayurasana (peacock pose)
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika , an ancient Indian text on hatha yoga, also praises mayurasana in the following terms: ‘ Mayurasana puts an end to stomach complaints, reduces edema (dropsy) and ensures a balanced mood. Mayurasana ignites the digestive fire in the stomach and negates all the toxins. ‘
Therapy
People with stomach ulcers, hernia complaints and high blood pressure should avoid this asana and seek medical advice first. Mayurasana is a classic asana from hatha yoga and has a therapeutic and supportive, but not necessarily curative , effect on the following complaints, ailments and conditions:
- Poor liver function (detoxification).
- Constipation.
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Diabetes.
- Poor blood supply to the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs.
- Poor sense of balance.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Mayarasana trains the muscles of arms, wrists and shoulders…
- …and improves concentration and mental balance.
read more
- Yoga (asanas) for beginners and advanced
- Breathing exercises (pranayama) for beginners and advanced students
- History of yoga – the concepts of yoga and yogi
- Yoga poses – eka pada koundinyasana I (albatross pose I)
- Yoga poses – padma mayurasana (peacock pose in lotus)
