Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

2 34 Light on Yoga

foot over the left thigh. Stay for an equal length of time in all these

positions as in the earlier ones.

103. Pincjasana in Sarvcmgiisana Five* (Plate 269)
     Pin�a means embryo or foetus. In this variation of Sarvangasana
     which is a continuation of the earlier posture, the bent crossed legs are
     brought down until they rest on the head. The posture resembles
     that of an embryo in the womb, hence the name.

Technique

I. From Urdhva Padmasana in Sarvangasana (Plate 261), exhale, bend

and lower the crossed legs from the hips towards the head.

268

2. Rest the legs over the head. (Plate 268)

3· Release the hands from the back, and clasp the legs. (Plate 269.)
While clasping, move the trunk nearer to the neck to rest the legs well.

4· Remain in this position from 20 to 30 seconds with normal breath­
ing and go back to Urdhva Padmasana in Sarvangasana.

104. Piirsva Pincjiisana in Sarviingiisana Eight* (Plates 270 and 271)
     Parsva means the side or flank. In this Pindasana variation of the earlier
     pose, both the bent knees are moved sideways and placed on the floor
     on the same side of the trunk. This is the lateral embryo pose in
     Sarvangasana.

Technique

r. After releasing the handclasp from Pin�asana (Plate 269) bring the

hands back and place the palms at the back of the ribs. (Plate 268)