Vrischikasana (Scorpion Pose) – Benefits, Cautions & Guide
Vrischikasana (Scorpion Pose) is an advanced asana. In Sankrit, Vrischika means Scorpion. In order to sting its victim, the scorpion arches its tail above its back and then strikes beyond its head. This asana resembles a striking scorpion.
Always remember to practice this posture near a wall until you have perfected the pose.
The spiritual focus of this posture is on Ajna chakra.
Instructions:
- Assume the final position of Shirshasana
- Relax your whole body, bend the knees and arch the back
- Separate your lower arms so that they lie parallel with each other, have your palms flat on the floor
- Transfer the weight onto your forearms and maintain the balance
- Lower the feet towards the head
- Raise the head backward and upward
- Raise your upper arms so that they are vertical
- The heels should rest on the crown of the head in the final pose
- Relax your whole body
- Stay in this position as long as you feel comfortable
- Release into Shirshasana and lower your legs
You should practice Vrischikasana at the end of your asana session. Follow with a forward bending posture as counter-pose.
Benefits:
- Arrests the physical aging process
- Improves the blood flow to the brain and pituitary gland
- Revitalizes all body systems
- Improves circulation in the lower limbs and abdomen
- Tones the reproductive organs
- Stretches and loosens the back
- Tones nerves and spine
- Strengthens the arms
- Develops a Sense of Balance
Contra-indications:
This asana should not be practiced by people with high blood pressure, vertigo, cerebral thrombosis, chronic catarrh, or heart disease. It should be avoided in pregnancy as well.
Important Note:
Anyone who begins to practice yoga should be aware that a general warm is required to prepare the body and remove subtle energy blocks. In traditional hatha yoga, the warm-up is called Pawanmuktasana. It translated as Energy Releasing Postures that avoid cartilage depletion and common injuries. So, as you practice yoga, keep in mind to include at least 10 minutes of simple rotations of the toes, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and neck.
Rooted and experienced teachers recommend that you do your warm from the toes to the head (downs to up). Why? Because this way, you can remove Vata (air) from your joints and body. This is especially helpful if you sit a lot, work an office job, or had some injuries in the past.
Yoga Asana Practise at Gyan Yog Breath
Our Gyan Yog Breath Team publishes weekly asana tutorials for you to help you get into the right practice and understand about various benefits and contra-indications of postures.
Sometimes, reading about practice can awaken questions and the desire to learn yoga on a much deeper level.
Therefore, we have established three Yoga Alliance registered Yoga Teacher Training Programs that aim to guide you into advanced and higher levels of yoga.
Yoga Teacher Training Course Details
The following Programs take place on the first of every month in Rishikesh, India.
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training India
The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Gyan Yog Breath will be a transformational and enriching experience for yoga beginners. Participants learn how to convert their practice and knowledge about yoga into deeper spheres and teach yoga on an international level. Read more
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training India
The 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Gyan Yog Breath guides new yoga teachers into confident and diverse teaching techniques and methodologies. Through practical and theoretical course modules, the RYS200 can elevate his or her practice and understanding to the next level. Read more
500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training India
The 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Gyan Yog Breath offers a complex 8-week course content. Yoga practitioners who feel ready to begin their yogic journey towards teaching are welcome to benefit from this comprehensive program. Read more
