Pigeon pose is a favourite of many in class. A long luxurious stretch which allows you to let go of a ton of tension around the buttocks.
There are numerous variations of this yoga asana, but the one we tend to do for a few minutes on each side is shown above. In Sanskrit it’s called Adho Muka Kapotasana (Downward Facing Pigeon Pose)
Coming out after 3 or 4 minutes in this pose is a great feeling as there is always noticably less tension in the body.
As well as the physical benefits pigeon pose allows us to release lots of emotional tension, particularly “uncomfortable” emotions, many of which are in connection with our relationships with others.
There may be things that, rather than express, you choose to “sit on”. This unreleased energy often gets stored as tension in the buttocks.
Pigeon pose helps us to release that, and can help us to be more openly expressive. If we don’t say what we want to say things can often build up and when they do finally get expressed it can be out of all proportion with that particular moment.
So, don’t sit on stuff – express it, and let it go.
Physical Benefits of Pigeon Pose
- Opens the hips
- Strengthens upper thighs
- Increases flexibility
- Lengthens the body
- Reduces lower back pain
- Reduces congestion
- Helps digestive system
- Relieves deep stress and tension
- Helps reduce and eliminate sciatica
