My intermediate yoga class inspired
me to take a second look at the way I map out the yoga sessions.
A few students in the intermediate class were eager to practice
Rajakapotasana, the pigeon pose.
According to Martin Kirk, a senior
Anusara yoga instructor, the pigeon pose offers a whole range of
benefits:
- it energizes the body and the mind;
- opens the hip flexors,
thighs, chest and shoulders;
- relieves mild depression, anxiety and stress;
-
improves circulation to the abdominal cavity and low back;
- stimulates
the digestive and reproductive system;
- alleviates menstrual and
menopausal discomfort;
- encourages healthy thyroid, parathyroid, and
adrenal function;
- it is used therapeutically for low blood pressure,
infertility and headaches;
Unfortunately, in many flow classes this
asana is routinely taught without any emphasis on safety, pelvic
stability or alignment, and as a result yogis are experiencing knee,
shin or ankle pain, amongst other problems. The injury rates in modern
yoga classes are staggering and have been on the rise for the past
decade. Knowing that, and having experienced a number of yoga mishaps
myself, I just wasn’t willing to sacrifice the safety of my students for
the glory of a pose… even if it was the King–Pigeon pose.
That’s when I got an idea.
