320 Light on Yoga
Effects
This pose strengthens the arms. By continued practice the lateral
muscles of the abdomen will develop and the intestines will grow stronger.- Urdhva Kukkufasana Eighteen* (Plates 417,418 and 419)
-Urdhva means upwards. Kukku�a means a cock. In this posture the
body resembles a strutting cock, hence the name.
Technique
.
r. Perform Salamba Slr�asana II. (Plate r 92)- After securing steadiness, move into Padmasana by placing the right
foot at the root of the left thigh and the left foot at the root of the right
thigh (Plate 41 3), then with an exhalation bend the legs and rest them
on the back of the upper arms as near the armpits as possible. (Plate 414.)
Secure this position and balance with even breathing.
(^413)
3· Exhale, press the palms firmly on the ground, pull the trunk up and
raise the head off the floor following the stages of the movement as in
Plates 415 and 416. Stretch and straighten the arms and lift up the
buttocks. Extend the neck and keep the head as high as possible. (Plates
417,418 and 419)
4· Balance in this position on the hands for a few seconds by tightening
the muscles in the region of the diaphragm. Try to breathe normally.