Vrischikasana

Technique

1. Begin at a wall in Parvatasana, a forearm's length away, elbows on the floor, gaze ahead.
2. Inhale and swing one leg up, then the other, feet on the wall, neck lifted.
3. Hold the breath and push the waist forward as much as possible.
4. Gradually the toes walk down the wall; then try to balance without it.
5. Hold as long as comfortable, come down slowly and rest in Shashankasana or Shavasana.

Awareness

First on moving the weight and balancing; gradually on Ajna chakra.

What it gives

• Strengthens the arms and develops balance.
• Arches and stretches the whole back.
• In the yogic tradition, a posture that reorganises prana in the body.

Precautions

• Avoid with high blood pressure, vertigo, cerebral thrombosis, chronic catarrh or heart disease.

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.