advanced

Reclining Tortoise Pose

Supta Kurmasana

SOOP-tah koor-MAHS-ah-nah

An extremely advanced forward fold that is a continuation of Kurmasana. It involves binding the arms behind the back while the legs are still wrapped around the shoulders, leading to a deep state of introspection and surrender.

Chakras
PrimarySvadhisthana (Sacral)
SecondaryMuladhara (Root)Manipura (Solar Plexus)
Gaze:Nose Tip
Quick Summary
  • From Tortoise Pose, bind your hands behind your back.

  • Lower your torso towards the floor, ideally resting your chin or forehead.

  • Keep your legs wrapped around your upper arms.

Foundation
  • Requires exceptional hamstring and hip flexibility developed from preparatory poses.

  • Maintain active feet, pressing through the heels even in this deep fold.

Alignment
  • Ensure the arms are threaded deeply under the legs before binding.

  • Keep the spine long and released, not rounded, even in this deep compression.

  • Allow the head to rest comfortably, releasing neck tension.

Breathe deeply and smoothly into the back of the body, surrendering with each exhale.
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