Eagle Pose - Why the name and its benefits

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