Ashtavakrasana: Best 5 Benefits and Tips

Ashtvakrasama increases focus and helps you become more flexible. These are the stages to executing the angle posture correctly, along with all of its benefits.

Eight-angle pose

Practice eight angle posture to increase your range of motion. Picture sourced from Adobe Stock

Sitting for extended periods of time at work can lead to neck and back issues. Including the eight-angle yoga posture, also known as ashtvakrasana, in your exercise routine may help reduce the discomfort. Yoga’s Ashtavakrasana is a position that strengthens the arms and works the upper body. This position boosts energy levels and enhances body awareness and posture. Ashtavakrasana practice helps to strengthen the upper body, increase hip mobility, and enhance core stability, all of which serve to reduce discomfort. Here’s how to do it right and get all the advantages.

Also Read: Astavakrasana Yoga (Ashtavakrasana)

What is the eight-angle posture, or ashtavakrasana?

Advanced yoga pose Ashtavakrasana incorporates arm balance, twisting, and core strengthening. The words “Ashta” (eight), “Vakra” (bent or angled), and “Asana” (position) are all taken from Sanskrit. This pose gets its name from the way the body forms multiple angles that resemble a figure eight.

It’s a difficult position that calls for a sturdy core, flexible hips, and a powerful upper body. According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, a yoga specialist, “The practitioner balances on their hands while twisting their legs around one arm, creating a complex shape that demonstrates strength, flexibility, and balance.”

The advantages of the eight-angle position, or ashtavakrasana

Ashtavakrasana, often known as the eight angle position, has several noteworthy advantages.

1. Enhances the digestive system

This pose’s twisting motion may stimulate the digestive system and facilitate digestion. Ashtavakrasana is a useful pose in yoga if you have digestive issues and are seeking for a solution, says the specialist.

Managing digestion can be aided by holding the eight angle stance. Picture sourced from Freepik

2. Enhances adaptability

Regular yoga practice has been linked to improved balance and flexibility, according to research that was published in the International Journal of Yoga. The pose’s twisting motion aids in opening up the hips and expanding their range of motion. Additionally, ashtavakrasana stretches your entire back, including your spine, as you extend your chest forward and reach your legs back. Additionally, it lengthens your legs, which increases the flexibility of your hamstrings.

3. Fortifies the body

A research that was published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that yogasana enhances physical strength, flexibility, and balance. Posing at eight angles strengthens the upper body. It works on the wrists, arms, shoulders, and back muscles. Your abdominal muscles are used in this stance, which promotes balance and stability. In addition, this position strengthens the muscles in your thighs by providing a strong stretch and isometric hold for your quadriceps and hamstrings.

4. Improves coordination and equilibrium

Ashtavakrasana, also known as the eight-angle pose, is a useful position to practice if you’re wanting to enhance your body’s balance and coordination. It takes balance and body awareness to hold this stance.

5. Strengthens attention and focus

An International Journal of Yoga study indicated that consistent yoga practice enhances general wellness, lessens stress and anxiety, and increases attention. Eight angle postures are a great way to help you reach your objectives if you find it difficult to concentrate or focus on your everyday job. Because of the pose’s difficulty, concentration abilities may be enhanced by focusing intensely on the mind.

 

Posing at an eight-angle increases focus and concentration. Picture sourced from Freepik

Also Read: Top 10 Strength Training Exercises for Effective Weight Loss

 

What is eight angle posture, or ashtavakrasana?

This is an expert’s comprehensive explanation of how to perform Ashtavakrasana, often known as the eight angle position.

Arm balance

Yoga posture

Step 1: Place your hands on the ground and begin in a squat stance.
Step 2: Position your right hand approximately one foot in front of your right foot on the ground.
Step 2:Bend your right elbow and rest your right upper arm high on the outside of your right knee.
Step 3: As you bend forward, your weight will be supported by your hands.
Step 4: Raise your left foot off the ground and place it over your right ankle.

Step 5: Straighten and squeeze both legs together as you extend them to the right.
Step 6: Lift your hips and balance your full weight on your hands.
Step 7: You have the option to stare forward with your head turned.

Remember this!

Core strengthening

As you are ready, take a breath and release it as you push your weight forward and raise yourself off the ground. Once in the posture, breathe steadily and evenly.

Consequences of the eight-angle posture, or ashtavakrasana

Even though, when done appropriately, it is generally regarded as safe, possible negative effects include:

If the pose’s appropriate alignment is not maintained, wrist strain or injury may result.
Shoulder strain can happen when holding a posture incorrectly or for an extended period of time.
For a safe and effective practice, pay attention to your body at all times and modify the position as necessary. It’s also essential that you approach it carefully and with the assistance of an expert who can provide you the right guidance and help you avoid being hurt.

Answers to Common Questions

1. When is the ideal time to do Ashtavakrasana?

When you’re not hungry, the finest times are usually in the morning or evening. Since it’s an energizing position, some people might want to avoid using it just before bed.

2. How long should I hold the posture?

The pose needs just three to five minutes to generate mild physiological changes in the connective tissues. Some trained persons sustain the stance for 10 minutes, with their body weight supported by props.