Eagle Pose, or Garudasana, derives its name from the mythical Garuda, a divine creature in Hindu lore that is part eagle and part human and is revered as the "Sovereign of Birds." Garuda symbolizes both the genesis of life and the celestial realm, embodying the elements of the sun and fire.
Practicing this asana enhances strength, flexibility, and balance while also fine-tuning the third eye chakra due to the intense focus required to maintain balance by fixing the gaze on a single point. The connection to the eagle comes from the acute vision attributed to these birds, with the ability to see with a clarity 4-8 times greater than humans, which metaphorically aids in boosting intuition and mental clarity through the pose.
To assume the posture, begin by intertwining your right arm underneath your left, ensuring elbows and wrists cross with palms facing one another and fingers pulled downwards ideally below the nose. By pulling the elbows downward, you'll experience a shoulder-opening effect.
Progress into the pose by squatting slightly and intertwining your legs, elevating the right leg to drape it over the left, tucking the foot behind the calf so that all five toes remain visible, as if reflected in a mirror.
For the second phase, the roles are reversed: the left arm weaves under the right, and the left leg coils over the right.
In Eagle Pose, when we intricately wrap the arms and legs around each other, we momentarily restrict blood circulation in these areas. This technique employs the "tourniquet effect," whereby blood flow is temporarily halted. However, upon releasing the pose, blood surges back more vigorously into these regions, particularly benefiting the spaces between the wrapped arms and legs. This enhanced blood flow rejuvenates the reproductive and sexual organs, as well as the digestive system, serving as a potent detoxifier.
Bikram often refers to it as a "natural Viagra" due to its significant revitalizing effects.
Furthermore, this asana is incredibly beneficial for joint health, maintaining their flexibility and aiding in overall balance. It is akin to performing a chair pose, but with the added complexity of the wrap and balance, making it an excellent preparatory posture for more advanced balancing asanas.
BENEFITS OF EAGLE POSE
Good for the central nervous system
Facilitates lymphatic functions
Improves the immune system
Improves mobility of hip joint and balance
Strengthens the legs and calves
Strengthens the deltoid and trapezius muscles
Flushes out the kidneys
Brings blood to the sexual organs
Improves sexual vitality Eagle Pose also supplies fresh blood to the reproductive system and sex organs, plus the kidneys, which increases sexual vitality and helps clear up reproductive problems.
This Bikram posture works into twelve major joints of the body and leaves the body warmed up and ready to continue into the next three balancing postures. Remain strong in your Eagle posture and you’ll be ready for “Party Time”.
Improves balance
Reduces varicose veins
Awakens the 14 major joints in the skeletal system:
Ankles
Shoulders
Wrists
Elbows
Hips
Knees
Neck
Low back
TIPS
Breath!
Keep your stomach in and off of the thighs
Fingers should go below the nose
Keep your palms together
Sit down low with your spine straight
Make sure to squeeze your knees and thighs together everywhere that you feel contact between the two to increase the tourniquet effect of the posture
Keep your weight on the heel of the standing foot and work toward having no gap
Sumit, please explain how it is possible to point fingers down. You would have to break your wrists.
"and wrists cross with palms facing one another and fingers pointed downwards."