Urdhva Kukkutasana
ऊर्ध्व कुक्कुटासन
Urdhva Kukkutasana is an inverted arm balance — Padmasana lifted on the palms from headstand.
Anatomy Involved
Benefits
- Ultimate arm and shoulder strength
- Combines inversion with arm balance
- Tests full body control
- Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →
Avoid If
- Wrist injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
5 cues
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
- 1Engage the core to maintain stability
- 2Press firmly through the foundation — hands, forearms, or head
- 3Keep the body in one straight line from base to feet
- 4Breathe steadily — do not hold the breath
- 5Come down slowly and with control
Pose Details
Helps With
Pose Type
Body Focus
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
When to Practice
Position
Target Areas
Practice Flow
About this Pose
Urdhva Kukkutasana is an inverted arm balance — Padmasana lifted on the palms from headstand.
How to Practice
1. Come into Sirsasana.
2. Fold into Padmasana while in headstand.
3. Place hands beside head — palms on floor.
4. Press palms — lift head off floor.
5. Body up — balancing on palms in Padmasana.
5 more steps remaining
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Urdhva Kukkutasana
What is Urdhva Kukkutasana?
Urdhva Kukkutasana is an inverted arm balance — Padmasana lifted on the palms from headstand.
What are the benefits of Urdhva Kukkutasana?
Ultimate arm and shoulder strength. Combines inversion with arm balance. Tests full body control.
Who should avoid Urdhva Kukkutasana?
Avoid this pose if you have: Wrist injuries, Shoulder injuries, Neck injuries, Knee injuries.
How many steps are in Urdhva Kukkutasana?
Urdhva Kukkutasana is practiced in 10 steps. Come into Sirsasana.
Is Urdhva Kukkutasana suitable for beginners?
Urdhva Kukkutasana is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.
What conditions does Urdhva Kukkutasana help with?
Urdhva Kukkutasana is therapeutic for: strength.
What poses should I do before Urdhva Kukkutasana?
Prepare with: Adho Mukha Svanasana, Standing Forward Bend, Forearm Stand. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.
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