Ardha Pincha Mayurasana
Dolphin Pose or Half Feathered Peacock pose
The peacock has the ability to eat poisonous snakes without harm. From ancient times it has been seen as a symbol of immortality, and is seen as pure and incorruptible. Because it naturally replaces his feathers annually, it is also a symbol of renewal and resurrection
It is said that at the time of Creation of the universe, when the primordial poison was churned out of the Sea of Milkand transmuted into the amrita of immortality, it was a peacock that absorbed the negative effects.
Since potentially deadly emotions are depicted as a serpent, and the peacock has the capacity to absorb and neutralize, it symbolizes victory over poisonous tendencies or Kleshas
(imperfections or obscurations) such as anger, greed and ignorance in sentient beings.
Benefits:
Emotional:
Physical:
Contradictions:
1. Begin on all fours with hands directly under shoulders tops of feet on the floor.
2. Replace hands with elbows so your arms are parallel in a sphinx-like position.
3. To gauge the correct distance, wrap your hands around the opposite elbow.
4. Clasp hands together so forearms create a triangle shape.
5. Tuck your toes under.
6. On the exhale, straighten your legs so your body is suspended in the air, anchored only by the toes and forearms.
7. Bring feet slightly closer to your body and press heels toward the floor.
8. Push down through the forearms, lift the rib cage from shoulders, and press your sit bones back. 9. Hold for 5 breaths before coming down.
Props: A folded blanket under the elbows and press the wrists into the floor.
It is said that at the time of Creation of the universe, when the primordial poison was churned out of the Sea of Milkand transmuted into the amrita of immortality, it was a peacock that absorbed the negative effects.
Since potentially deadly emotions are depicted as a serpent, and the peacock has the capacity to absorb and neutralize, it symbolizes victory over poisonous tendencies or Kleshas
(imperfections or obscurations) such as anger, greed and ignorance in sentient beings.
Benefits:
Emotional:
- Energizing
- Calms the mind and relieves depression
Physical:
- It stretches shoulders, arches of the feet, calves and hamstrings
- It strengthens arms and core; builds shoulder and upper-body strength
- Helps to stimulate the reproductive organs, relieve menstrual discomfort and reduce the symptoms of Menopause.
- Strengthens the bones
- Helpful for headache, insomnia, back pain, sciatica, Asthma, flat feet and fatigue
- Stimulates the digestive organs and improves digestion
Contradictions:
- Avoid if suffering from neck or shoulder injury
- This is an alternative for Ardho Muka Svanasana if wrist pain is a problem
1. Begin on all fours with hands directly under shoulders tops of feet on the floor.
2. Replace hands with elbows so your arms are parallel in a sphinx-like position.
3. To gauge the correct distance, wrap your hands around the opposite elbow.
4. Clasp hands together so forearms create a triangle shape.
5. Tuck your toes under.
6. On the exhale, straighten your legs so your body is suspended in the air, anchored only by the toes and forearms.
7. Bring feet slightly closer to your body and press heels toward the floor.
8. Push down through the forearms, lift the rib cage from shoulders, and press your sit bones back. 9. Hold for 5 breaths before coming down.
Props: A folded blanket under the elbows and press the wrists into the floor.