Vrishchikasana

Vrishchikasana – sometimes spelled Vrschikasana. Vrishchika translates to scorpion. The idea is that the yoga posture resembles a scorpion poised to strike. Vrishchikasana is considered an advanced asana. Vrishchikasana is practiced in the Intermediate series of Ashtanga yoga and found between the duck and the peacock.

Vrishchikasana is challenging in many different ways. One of the most interesting things about practicing this posture is the oppositional forces at play. As the feet lower toward the head the heart must expand in order to offset the momentum that naturally wants to follow the weight of the legs. Lifting the head as much as possible will begin to open the heart and counter-balance the lowering feet. This action also serves to open the upper back. The lower back is opened simultaneously as the feet drop.

Although the primary source of balance is found between the action of the legs and the chest, the forearms are critical as the foundation of the posture. The weight of the asana should be distributed evenly from the elbows to the fingertips. In fact, very subtle and delicate adjustments can be made through the fingers alone.

It has been said that this yoga posture has great psychological as well as great physical ramifications. The head is considered to be the center of knowledge and awareness, both of which lead to enlightenment. However the head is also recognized as the seat of anger and intolerance. These features can lead to ruin if they are allowed to dominate the head space. They are the venom within the scorpion. Vrishchikasana symbolizes the yogi stamping out this venom by placing the feet squarely atop the head (maybe in the next decade or perhaps the next life).

The subjugation of the ego leads to harmony and happiness.    - B.K.S. Iyengar

Vrishchikasana 2 is set up the same way except the arms are in handstand position. This version is quite a bit more challenging and demands sufficient wrist strength. If you practice handstand, it’s worth a try!

Vrishchikasana opens the chest and stretches all of the abdominal muscles. In addition, the entire spine is stretched and toned. All month we will be working on the Scorpion and the stamping out of our venom. Venom out, joy in!

Namaste