Arm Balances Hand-standing series
Brahmacharyasana
Celibate's pose
Brahmacharya roughly means "staying true to one's own Atma", "on the path of Brahma": cleanliness, ahimsa, simple living, study, meditation and voluntary restraint.
FamilyArm Balances
LevelIntermediate (YCB Level 2)
AwarenessMuladhara, Swadhisthana or Manipura chakra
Technique
- Sit with the legs together and outstretched, palms on the floor.
- Inhale and, using the abdominal muscles, lift the buttocks, legs and feet from the floor.
- In the final position only the palms touch the floor; the legs are horizontal and straight, the spine may curve slightly.
- Do not strain. Hold as long as comfortable.
- Exhale and slowly lower the body.
Awareness
Physically on the work of the abdomen, hips, legs and arms, or the perineum; gradually on Muladhara, Swadhisthana or Manipura chakra.
What it gives
- Strengthens the abdominal, thigh and arm muscles.
- Naturally engages the bandhas of the perineum (moola bandha).
- Traditionally practised for the conservation of energy on the spiritual path.
Precautions
- Avoid with high blood pressure, heart conditions or hernia.
Learn it with Acharya Lokesh
Intermediate postures are safest when a teacher watches you. Book a free trial session at home in Delhi or online, or take the illustrated guide home.
Text from Acharya Lokesh's handbook Yogasana for Intermediates (Agastya Yoga School, 2022), edited for clarity. General information about a traditional practice, not medical advice: if you have a health condition, are pregnant or recovering from surgery, ask your doctor first.