Cord Pose

Cord pose continues our serious of balance poses. Good balance is important as one grows older. Falls are a leading cause of death among the elderly.

You can do Cord pose from Garland 1 or Mountain poses.

In addition to improving balance, Cord pose stretches arm and leg muscles, relieves neck stiffness, and improves focus and concentration.

English Name: Cord

Sanskrit Name: Pasasana

Difficulty Level: 5

Start Position: Garland 1

Instructions:

Step 1.

From Garland 1, place your knees and feet together and twist your body to the left.

Step 2.

Hook your right shoulder outside of your left thigh and place your left arm behind your back.

Step 3.

Grab your your left wrist with your right hand. Use a strap if you cannot reach your wrist.

Step 4.

Hold the pose for 4 or 5 breathes, or as long as it feels comfortable. Release and return to Garland 1. Repeat on the other side if desired.

Physical Benefits:

• Stretches the spine
• Strengthens arms and wrists
• Improves balance and upper body strength
• Opens the hips
• Relieves sciatica
• Tones abdominal muscles
• Improves digestion
• Relieve constipation
• Strengthens feet and ankles
• Relieves knee stiffness

Mental Benefits

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves focus

Contraindications:

• Wrist, arm, or shoulder injury
• Back injury
• Ankle, hip or knee injury
• Leg, arm, or back injury