Inversions


Parshva Karnapidasana (Side Pressure on the Ear Pose)

Side Plough Ppose
Level: Intermediate

Parshva = side of the body, or flank. Karna = ear. Pida = pain, suffering, restriction, limitation.

If you find the body is tight and you are unable to bring the feet to the floor, do the pose with the feet on bolsters, blocks, or even chairs.

Organizing the Pose


  1. Come into the pose from Parshva Halasana (Side Plough Pose).
  2. With the legs to the right of the head, bend the knees and bring the left knee to the right temple or ear.
  3. Keep the shoulders squared and the hips level.
  4. Draw the right thigh in as you reach the left thigh away to square off the hips.
  5. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
  6. Make your way back to Supta Konasana (Reclined Angle Pose) and repeat on the other side.
  7. Either continue on with other Halasana (Plough Pose) or Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) variations, or exhale and come down, using the arms to control yourself as you roll down through the back

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.