intermediate

Half Pigeon Pose

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

A-kah PAH-dah RAH-jah-KAH-poh-TAHS-ah-nah

A profound hip-opener that targets the outer glutes and psoas, inviting a deep emotional and physical release. It is a posture of intense sensation that rewards patient breathing and conscious surrender.

Chakras
PrimarySvadhisthana (Sacral)
SecondaryMuladhara (Root)
Gaze:Third Eye
Quick Summary
  • Bring the front knee behind the wrist.

  • Square the hips toward the front of the mat.

  • Slowly lower the torso over the front shin.

Foundation
  • Front shin can be parallel to the mat or the heel can be closer to the groin; flex the front foot to protect the knee.

  • Extend the back leg straight behind you, neutral and not turned out.

Alignment
  • Ensure weight is distributed evenly; do not collapse onto the hip of the bent leg.

  • Keep the back leg internally rotated so the kneecap faces the floor.

Inhale to lift the chest and find space in the spine|exhale to walk the hands forward, melting into the stretch.
seatedhip-openerforward-bend