Eka Pada Sirsasana – The Eka Pada Sirsasana sequence occurs near the middle of the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga yoga just after Half Lord of the Fishes Posture. Eka translates to one, Pada translates to foot, and Sirsa to head. Eka Pada Sirsasana literally translates to one foot to the head, but it is so much more!
This sequence is demanding and is viewed by some as the crux of the Intermediate Series. The full expression of Eka Pada Sirsasana requires high degrees of flexibility in the piriformis, quadratus femoris, gluteus maximus, & the biceps femoris (basically all the muscles and tendons around the butt, hamstrings and hips).
Often when people learn that I practice yoga they ask “can you put your foot behind your
head?” This question is emphasized as if the primary goal of yoga is putting your foot behind your head (and maybe it is). However, I always have to reply that “I’m working on it and no I don’t feel like showing you now.” What is the extreme mystique of the foot behind the head? Maybe I will find out one day.
The A position is upright, the B position is a forward fold and the C position is a lift & jump back. The sequence by nature requires a great deal of both flexibility and strength. In addition to lengthening the glutes and 
hammies this series of postures is incredibly fortifying for the core!
Ah December the month of lights, love and here at Namaste Y’all Eka Pada Sirsasana. This year for Christmas I’m giving myself one foot behind my head! I really hope you will also. Peace and Love!
