Inversions


Parshva Pindasana (Side Embryo Pose in Shoulder Stand)

Side Embryo Pose in Shoulder Stand
Level: Advanced

Parshva = side of the body, or flank. Pinda = a round mass, an embryo in early stages of development.

Organizing the Pose


  1. Come into the pose from Halasana (Plough Pose).
  2. Cross the legs in Padmasana (Lotus Pose).
  3. Before drawing the knees down, turn the trunk to the right as far as you can.
  4. Drop the left knee towards the right temple or ear.
  5. Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
  6. Pick the knees up and then turn trunk as far to the left as you can.
  7. Bring the right knee towards the left temple or ear.
  8. Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
  9. Come back to center, uncross the legs and repeat with the second crossing.
  10. Uncross the legs and either continue on with other Halasana (Plough Pose) or Sarvangasana variations, or exhale and come down, using the arms to control yourself as you roll down through the back.
  11. Slide off the blankets towards the head until the shoulders come to the floor and the hips are raised on the blankets. Rest there for a few breaths.
  12. Roll over onto the right side and press yourself up.

Practice Points


  • Soften and widen the buttocks, the back ribs, the upper back and the neck.
  • Soften and widen the chest and throat.
  • Allow the breath to fill the back body.