Vrischikasana I (Scorpion Pose)

<h2> Vrschikasana I (Scorpion Pose)</h2>From the word «vrschika» - scorpion. To sting its victim, the scorpion arches its tail over its back and then strikes with it beyond its head. This pose resembles the movement of a stinging scorpion, hence the name. The lungs expand fully and the abdominal muscles are stretched. The whole spine is toned intensively and stays healthy. This asana also has a psychological meaning. The head is the seat of knowledge and power, but also of pride, anger, hatred, jealousy, intolerance and malice. These emotions are more destructive than the scorpion's poisonous sting. By placing the feet on his own head, the yogi tries to drive out these destructive feelings and passions. By trampling on his own head, he seeks to develop humility, calm and tolerance, so as to be free of his own self. Subduing the self leads to harmony and happiness. Technique 1. Kneel down, bend forward and place the elbows, forearms and palms on the floor parallel to one another. The distance between the forearms should be no wider than the shoulders.2. Extend the neck and lift the head as high above the floor as possible.3. Exhale, swing the legs and trunk up and try to hold the balance without letting the legs drop behind the head. Stretch the chest vertically upwards, keeping the arms from elbow to shoulder perpendicular to the floor. Extend the legs vertically upwards and balance. This is Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose).4. Then exhale, bend the knees, lift the neck and head as high above the floor as possible, stretch the spine up from the shoulders and lower the feet until the heels rest on the crown of the head. Once this position is mastered, try to bring the ankles and knees together and to extend the toes. From the heels to the knees the legs should be perpendicular to the head, while the ankles and the arms from shoulder to elbow should be parallel to one another.5. The breath in this pose will be very rapid and laboured, because of the stretch on the neck and shoulders, the chest, the spine and the abdomen. Stay in the pose for about 30 seconds if you can. Try to breathe normally.6. Having held the pose as long as possible, lower the legs to the floor behind the head, lift the elbows off the floor and straighten the arms to come into Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose).7. Then either stand up into Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or perform Viparita Chakrasana (Inverted Wheel Pose).8. To release the tension in the back caused by Vrschikasana, bend forward and touch the floor with the palms without bending the knees, in Uttanasana (Intense Forward Stretch). Photo: YogaJournal.ru