The Scorpion Pose is one of the advanced forms of yoga poses. The other name of this pose is Vrischikasana. In order to perform this yoga posture, a person requires strength, flexibility as well as good balancing capabilities. This pose is a pinnacle even for seasoned yoga practitioners because this asana has a very demanding nature. If a practitioner is able to perform it correctly, his or her body forms a shape that closely resembles the arched tail of a scorpion. Due to such posture, this yoga pose got its name.
The name “Scorpion Pose” comes from the resemblance of the practitioner’s body to a scorpion’s tail. In the scorpion position, the legs of the yoga practitioner arch over his or her head, which looks like the tail’s curve of a scorpion. This scorpion position symbolises the power, control as well as precision of a scorpion.This pose challenges the practitioner to bend the spine backward as well as balance the body on the forearms.
Benefits of Scorpion Pose (Vrishchikasana)
The regular practice Vrishchikasana gives a numerous physical as well as mental benefits:
Physical Benefits
- Development and Enhancement Of Flexibility
For performing Vrischikasana, a person requires an intense backbend, which stretches as well as strengthens the spine, shoulders and hip flexors. Hence, over time, this practice leads to more and more flexibility. When it comes to yoga for flexibility, this pose is one of the best yoga poses to perform.
- Building Muscles Strength
Balancing the body on the forearms in Vrischikasana strengthens the arms, shoulders as well as core muscles of the practitioner. Apart from that, the scorpion pose works on the leg muscles of the person, hence, the practitioner gets overall body strength from this pose.
- Energises the Body
Vrischikasana is good for the practitioners to improve the blood flow to the brain. The improved blood flow helps rejuvenate both the body and mind. Hence, it is an excellent pose to practise when a person needs an energy boost.
- Improves Balance and Coordination
As the Scorpion Pose requires a high level of balance and coordination, so practising this posture regularly enhances the ability of the practitioners to sense the position, movement as well as the action of their body in space. Hence, the regular practice of Vrischikasana gives improved balance and coordination.
Mental Benefits
- Boosts Mental Focus
Achieving as well as holding Vrischikasana requires intense concentration and mental clarity. Practising this pose improves the mental focus of the yoga aspirants.
- Opens the Heart Chakra
While performing the Scorpion Pose, the practitioners perform deep backbends. Such a deep backbend opens the heart chakra (Anahata chakra). Anahata chakra gives love, compassion as well as emotional balance. Hence, this pose improves emotional well-being as well as a sense of openness.
Steps to Perform The Scorpion Pose
For performing Vrischikasana, the yoga aspirants have to ensure that they have properly warmed up their body. The main body parts which need the warm up are the spine, shoulders as well as wrists. following are the steps to perform this yoga pose:
Step 1: Preparation
Warm Up: The yoga aspirants should begin the warm up process with a gentle yoga sequence that includes poses like Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana) etc.
Foundation: The yoga aspirants should begin with the Dolphin Pose, while keeping their forearms on the mat, shoulder-width apart. The practitioner’s fingers should be interlaced properly while their elbows should be directly under their shoulders.
Step 2: Entering the Pose
Lift the Hips: Practitioners should take the feet closer to their elbows, and lift their hips high. They should now shift their weight onto their forearms, coming onto their tiptoes.
Kick Up: Now the practitioners should gently kick one leg up towards the ceiling, followed by the other leg and come into a forearm stand (Pincha Mayurasana).
Step 3: Achieving the Backbend
Bend the Knees: Once the practitioners are stable in the forearm stand, they should slowly bend their knees while bringing their feet towards their head.
Arch the Back: They should now allow their spine to arch deeply, resembling a scorpion’s tail.
Step 4: Holding the Pose
Balance: In this step, the practitioners should focus on maintaining their balance by engaging their core as well as stabilising their shoulders.
Breathe: The yoga practitioners should now take slow as well as deep breaths while holding this yoga posture for as long as the practitioners feel comfortable however, generally aiming for five to ten breaths.
Step 5: Exiting the Pose
Straighten the Legs: For exiting the pose, the yoga practitioners should slowly straighten their legs back into the forearm stand.
Lower Down: The practitioners now gently lower one leg at a time back to the mat, returning to Dolphin Pose.
Rest: Now the practitioner should take a rest of a few moments in Child’s Pose (Balasana) .
Tips for Practising Vrischikasana
Use a Wall: Beginner yoga aspirants should practise against a wall for support. Place their hands a few inches away from the wall while using it to catch their feet as they bend backward.
Take Partner Support: Practising with a partner provides additional support as well as help the practitioners achieve the correct alignment.
Consistency: The practitioners need to practise Scorpion Pose regularly in order to build the strength and flexibility needed for this pose.
Observe The Body Response: Practitioners should avoid forcing themselves into the pose. A gradual progress is beneficial to prevent injury.
Contraindications
Vrishchikasana (Scorpion Pose) is not suitable for everyone. People should avoid this yoga pose if they have:
Back or Neck Injuries: The deep backbend required for the pose can aggravate existing injuries.
Shoulder or Wrist Issues: The weight-bearing nature of this pose can harm the weak or injured shoulders and wrists.
High Blood Pressure: The aspirants with problems of high blood pressure should avoid this pose because the inverted nature of this pose may increase blood pressure.
Heart Conditions: The aspirants with existing heart conditions must consult with a healthcare provider before performing this pose.
Conclusion
The Scorpion Pose or Vrischikasana, is a challenging but rewarding yoga asana that not only presents a difficult yoga challenge but also offers numerous physical and mental benefits. By practising this pose regularly with proper technique, the yoga aspirants can enhance their flexibility, strength as well as balance while improving their mental focus and emotional well-being. There are several yoga schools in Rishikesh which offer certified yoga training courses. The best yoga school in Rishikesh is Vinyasa Yoga Ashram that provides yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh. Yoga aspirants can join Vinyasa Yoga Ashram to start their journey towards mastering different yoga poses including Vrischikasana. You can connect with the ashram to get further information.
