Inversions


Pindasana (Embryo Pose in Shoulder Stand)

Embryo Pose in Shoulder Stand
Level: Advanced

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. Staying up on the shoulders, draw the knees into the chest and wrap the arms around them.
  4. Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
  5. Uncross the legs 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


  • Soften and widen the buttocks.
  • Widen the hip creases as evenly as possible.
  • Roll the tailbone and knees down towards the head to round the back.
  • Broaden the back ribs.
  • Broaden the collarbones.
  • Soften and widen the chest, neck and throat.