Asana Of The Month: Elephant’s Trunk

Elephant’s Trunk is a moderately difficult balance pose that helps improve focus, relieve anxiety, and strengthen wrist, arm, leg, and shoulder muscles.

English Name: Elephant’s Trunk

Sanskrit Name: Eka Hasta Bhujasana

Difficulty Level: 6

Pose Type: Balance

Start Position: Easy Sitting

Instructions:

Step 1.

Staring in Easy Sitting pose, hook your left shoulder under your left knee and extend your right leg straight out.

Step 2.

Place both hands on the floor near your thighs.

Step 3.

Press into your hands and lift your body off the floor as pictured. Keep your extended leg parallel to the floor and gaze forward.

Step 4.

Hold the pose for a few breaths. Then lower your body to the floor. Return to Easy Sitting and repeat on the other side.

Physical Benefits:

• Maintains spinal straightness
• Strengthens wrists, arms, and shoulders
• Increases stamina
• Strengthens legs and buttocks
• May relieve backache

Mental Benefits

• Reduces stress
• Improves thinking
• Increases focus
• Relieves mild anxiety & depression

Contraindications:

• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Wrist injury
• Leg, arm, or shoulder injury