Bakasana

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Bakāsana (Sanskrit: बकासन) or Crane Pose^[1] is an asana. Bakasana has been translated into English as Crow Pose^[2] and often used interchangeably with Kakasana depending on the lineage of the yoga being practiced.^[3]

Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words baka meaning "crane" and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".^[4]

Description

This Asana belongs to a group of postures known as hand balances. According to B.K.S. Iyengar there are two ways of achieving this balance. The simple method of achieving it is by pushing up from a crouching position. The more advanced method is to drop down from a head stand.^[5]^{[page needed]}

Benefits

This posture helps to tone shoulder, arm and hand muscles and strengthens the abdominal muscles and organs.

Variations

Parsva Bakasana, Side Crane Pose.^[6]

Follow-up poses

Bakasana is often followed by Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) or Salamba Sirsasana II (Supported Head Stand, Second version). Some practitioners jump in and out of Bakasana via Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose). The most common hand balances to follow Bakasana is Parsva Bakasana (Side Crane Pose) and Ekapasa Bakasana (One-legged Crane Pose).

References

^ "Yoga Journal - Crane Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-09.
^ Long, Ray (August 2009). The Key Muscles of Yoga: The Scientific Keys, Volume 1. Greenleaf Book (Distributor). p. 230. ISBN 978-1-60743-238-8. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
^ Belling, Noa (20 February 2008). The Yoga Handbook. New Holland Publishers. p. 159. ISBN 978-1-84537-935-3. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
^ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-7041-293-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
^ B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga, Schocken Books; Revised edition (January 3, 1995), trade paperback, 544 pages, ISBN 0-8052-1031-8
^ "Yoga Journal - Side Crane Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-09.