Inversions


Parshvaikapada Sarvangasana (Single Leg to the Side Shoulder Stand)

Single Leg to the Side Shoulder Stand
Level: All levels

Parshva = side of the body, or flank. Eka = one. Pada = a foot. Sarva = whole, all, complete. Anga = limb.

As with Eka Pada Sarvangasana (Single Leg Shoulder Stand) this pose can be done focusing more on the raised leg, trying to keep the trunk vertical and reaching though the raised leg, not bringing the descended leg to the floor if necessary, or keeping the descended leg on the floor and focusing on grounding to provide the lift.

Organizing the Pose


  1. Come into the pose from either Supta Konasana (Reclined Angle Pose) or Salamba Sarvangasana 1 (Shoulder Stand 1).
  2. If coming from Supta Konasana, walk the left leg back to the midline and raise it up. Press the right toes into the ground, reach through the left leg and stretch it up.
  3. If coming from Sarvangasana, reach the left up towards the ceiling as you turn the right leg out and bring it down. Keep the trunk lifted.
  4. Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
  5. Return to Supta Konasana or Sarvangasana and repeat on the second side.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Roll over onto the right side and press yourself up.

Practice Points


  • Anchor down evenly through the upper arm bones.
  • Reach up strongly and evenly through both sides of the trunk.
  • Widen the hip crease of the descended leg.
  • Soften and widen the buttocks.
  • Broaden and lift the back ribs evenly on both sides.
  • Broaden the collarbones.
  • Soften and widen the chest, neck and throat.