Parsva BakasanaAdvancedstanding

Parsva Bakasana

पार्श्व बकासन

Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow) is a twisted arm balance where both legs extend to one side.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

4

Avoid If

3
  • Wrist injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Lower back injuries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Locking the knees — keep a micro-bend or engage the quadriceps
Collapsing the arches of the feet — distribute weight evenly
Holding the breath or breathing shallowly
Hunching the shoulders toward the ears
Leaning weight to one side — keep both feet equally grounded

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Ground firmly through all four corners of both feet
  • 2Engage the quadriceps by lifting the kneecaps
  • 3Lengthen the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head
  • 4Draw the shoulder blades down and back
  • 5Maintain steady, even breathing throughout

Pose Details

Helps With

strength

Pose Type

arm balancetwist

Body Focus

upper bodycore

Focus Areas

strengthbalance

Yoga Styles

ashtangavinyasapower

When to Practice

peak pose

Position

standing

Target Areas

AbsObliquesDeltoidsForearm

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow) is a twisted arm balance where both legs extend to one side.

How to Practice

1

1. Squat in Malasana.

2

2. Twist both knees to the right.

3

3. Place palms on the floor to the left, shoulder-width.

4

4. Rest the right hip on the left upper arm.

5

5. Shift weight onto hands.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Parsva Bakasana

What is Parsva Bakasana?

Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow) is a twisted arm balance where both legs extend to one side.

What are the benefits of Parsva Bakasana?

Builds oblique strength. Twisted arm balance. Develops body control. Popular advanced pose.

Who should avoid Parsva Bakasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Wrist injuries, Shoulder injuries, Lower back injuries.

How many steps are in Parsva Bakasana?

Parsva Bakasana is practiced in 10 steps. Squat in Malasana.

Is Parsva Bakasana suitable for beginners?

Parsva Bakasana is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What conditions does Parsva Bakasana help with?

Parsva Bakasana is therapeutic for: strength.

What poses should I do before Parsva Bakasana?

Prepare with: Tadasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Standing Forward Bend, Warrior I. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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