Arm Balances Hand-standing series
Pincha Mayurasana
Feathered peacock (forearm balance)
Pincha means "feather". A balancing inversion that shows strength and beauty and helps overcome the fear of falling.
FamilyArm Balances
LevelIntermediate (YCB Level 2)
AwarenessAjna chakra
Technique
- Begin at a wall. Come into Parvatasana a forearm's length from the wall, elbows on the floor, gaze ahead.
- Inhale and swing one leg up, then the other.
- Rest both feet on the wall, neck lifted, eyes on the wall.
- Once balanced, take one leg off the wall, then the other.
- Learn to hold without the wall for as long as possible.
- Come down slowly and rest in Shashankasana.
Awareness
First on moving the weight and balancing; gradually on Ajna chakra.
What it gives
- Strengthens the arms and shoulders and develops balance.
- Builds courage and mental poise.
Precautions
- As for Vrischikasana.
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.