Garudasana or the Eagle’s Pose is an asana for enhancing body balance. The word Garuda means an eagle and refers to the mythical king of birds called Garuda, who is also the vehicle for Lord Vishnu. Garudasana is done in the standing pose, balancing on a single leg with the other leg wrapped around it.
Garudasana can be attempted by all, except those suffering from severe arthritis of the leg joints. If you can maintain a sense of balance by standing on one leg, then you can easily attempt this pose.
How to do Garudasana (The Eagle’s Pose) ?
- Stand straight on both feet. Raise the right leg and wrap it around the left leg.
- The right thigh will be over the left thigh and the right feet will touch the calf muscles from behind.
- Similarly, wrap the right hand around the left hand.
- Place the palms together to resemble the beak of an eagle.
- Try to maintain the balance and slowly bend the left leg and lower the body until the right toes touch the ground.
- This is the final pose. Try to remain in this pose for as long as you can maintain the balance. For beginners, 15 – 30 seconds in sufficient.
- In the final pose, concentration should be on maintaining the balance of body. One may gaze steadily at a point in the front to aid the balancing process.
- To release the asana, straighten the left leg and unwrap the right leg. Also release the right arm and come to a normal standing position.
- Repeat the same process with the left leg wrapped around the right leg and the left hand twisted around the right hand.
Benefits of Garudasana (The Eagle Pose)
- Garudasana is primarily practiced to enhance the sense of balance of the body.
- Garudasana can strengthen the muscles of the legs
- It can loosen the joints of the legs.
- It alleviates sciatica and rheumatism in the leg joints.
- Garudasana strengthens the calf muscles.