Peacock
Apr 19, 2011 at 11:53
amanda & pieter in Chambres d'Hotes de charme, France, bargemon, provence, yoga holidays, yoga retreats

Mayurasana: the peacock. This is an advanced position, requiring a good sense of balance and strength in the arms and back.

Start in Vajrasana, diamond position ('seiza' in Japanese martial arts). Join the arms at the elbows and hands, placing hands on the floor, palms down, fingers pointing towards the toes. Keep the hands and elbows firmly in place during this asana. Lowering the forehead to the mat, bring the abdomen down against the elbows, supporting the body. Slooooowly stretch the legs backwards. Inhale and raise both of the legs from the floor as you balance on the hands. Now raise also the head, by rolling the eyes to the sky. Keep breathing! Exhale, putting the knees back on the ground and come back to Vajrasana.

Excellent for strengthening stomach muscles, wrists, and shoulders. The blood circulation in the internal organs is increased, improving digestion. Aids in eliminating toxins from the body. This is an excellent pose for invigorating the entire body. 

Article originally appeared on yoga-centre-bargemon-south-of-france (http://www.maskailash.org/).
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