Eight-Angle pose (Astavakrasana) is dedicated to the sage Astavakra who, according to legend, enraged his father while still in the womb and was cursed to be born crooked in eight places.
An advanced arm balance with a twist, Eight-Angle pose does indeed seem to be an impossibly crooked way to contort the body — all while balancing on the hands! As the story goes, the wise Astavakra says, “If one thinks of oneself as free, one is free, and if one thinks of oneself as bound, one is bound.”
Letting go of whatever limitations or weaknesses you perceive in yourself — physically or mentally — is the key to finding the necessary space and freedom to soar into this pose!
Benefits Of Eight-Angle Pose
Eight-Angle pose strengthens the wrists and arms, improves balance, and tones the abdominal muscles. Given the twisting nature of the spine, Eight-Angle pose also aids with digestion and the elimination of toxins from the body. Practice with caution if you have wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries.
This video by Zahra Yaqub will teach you in less than 3 Minutes
Go ahead and try it. Let me know if you get it in the comment box below.