Nerves 

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Nerves which may undergo neural tension:​

• Radial nerve

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Notes

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The foundation of this pose lies in the shoulder girdle, not the neck. It is important for the shoulder girdle to take the body weight to prevent injuries in the cervical spine. The scapulae should be elevated, adducted and downwardly rotated to maintain a strong foundation for the entire weight of the body. Having the scapulae in a depressed position will cause the transference of weight to the cervical spine and cause injury. 

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Therefore, a limiting factor in this pose could be tightness of the chest e.g. pectoralis major. If the muscle is unable to lengthen, it may limit the extension of the arm, pulling it into an abducted extension and restrict correct joint actions (elevation, adduction and downward rotation) of the scapulae. 

 

Having the arms in an abducted extension may then lead to another mistake in this posture - to have the wrists supporting the lower back to be extended in an ulnar deviation, which may risk injury to the wrists. 

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A good cue to use is, "bring the elbows closer to each other, keeping the wrists in line with the elbows".

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Due to the proximity of the neck to the shoulder girdle, care of the neck should be taken to avoid injuries. Avoiding rotating or moving the head or neck while transitioning into or while in this posture. When transitioning out of this posture, it is recommended to do so slowly "vertebrae by vertebrae". A counterpose such as matsyasana (fish pose) or bridge pose should be done immediately after coming out of this posture to neutralise pressure on the neck and spine.

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Precautions & Contraindications

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Please avoid or modify if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Diarrhoea

• Headache

• High blood pressure

• Neck injury

• Shoulder injury 

• Pregnancy: do not introduce this pose once you become pregnant. However, if you are experienced with the pose before pregnancy, you can continue to practice it late into pregnancy. 

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