Akarna Dhanurasana yoga pose steps and benefits

Akarna Dhanurasana Yoga: When you remain in Akarna Dhanurasana, you will have to pull the toes (alternately) up to the ears akin to an archer pulling the string of a bow as he prepares to shoot the arrow. In Sanskrit ‘Akarshana’ means to pull and ‘Dhanus’ refersto the bow.

Image Credit a Still from KinoYoga

Methodology of Akarna Dhanurasana yoga

• Sit down upright.
• Stretch out your legs.
• Keep the legs close together.
• The palms will have to be placed on the ground on both the sides.
• Bend the right knee.
• Cross the left leg.
• Place the right heel on the floor.
• The right heel will have to lie beside the left ankle on the ground.
• Grasp your right toe with the left thumb, middle and index fingers.
• At the same time, catch hold of the left toe with the right thumb, middle and index fingers.
• Slowly inhale deeply.
• Keep the head erect.
• Pull up the right foot till your right knee is beside the right armpit and even as the right toe touches the left ear.
• At this time the right hand should be pulling the left toe.
• As you pull the toes concentrate your gaze at the toe of the outstretched leg. (In this case, your eyes must be looking at the left toe).
• Gradually exhale.
• Even as you exhale return the right foot to the ground on the left side of the outstretched left leg.
• Release the hands.
• Slowly stretch the legs side by side in front.
• This completes the first part of the posture.
• Complete the round by repeating the action on the other side.

Advantages of Akarna Dhanurasana yoga

• Within a short time several parts of your body get stretched effectively.
• Your calves, thighs, back, waist, chest, shoulders and the arms become well proportioned and developed.