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Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow Pose), Dwi Pada Koundinyasana, Eka Pada Koundinyasana I & Parsva Bhuja Dandasana (Grasshopper / Dragonfly Pose)

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Yoga Techniques and Fitness

Overview

In this lesson, we explore Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow), Dwi Pada Koundinyasana, Eka Pada Koundinyasana I, and Parsva Bhuja Dandasana (Grasshopper or Dragonfly), arm balances that combine twisting with strength.

Objective

Become familiar with how to coordinate arm balancing with spinal rotation, engaging the core and obliques while strengthening the arms and wrists.

What You'll Get

You'll walk away with practices that challenge your balance and core in rotated positions, building strength in your arms, wrists, and abdominal muscles, especially the obliques. The twisting action stimulates your internal organs and develops focus. For your own practice, these poses inspire confidence and body awareness. If you teach or work with clients, you'll learn how to help people approach twisted arm balances safely, understanding contraindications for SI joint issues and how to progress toward these challenging poses. It's about combining rotation with lift, demanding strength and coordination simultaneously.

Parsva Bakasana

Dwi Pada Koundinyasana

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

Parsva Bhuja Dandasana

Parsva Bakasana

PARSH-vah bahk-AHS-anna

“parsva” = side

“bakasana” = crane or crow

Side Crow Pose

Dwi Pada Koundinyasana

“dwi” = two

“pada” = leg or foot

“Koundinya” = name of Sage

Two Legged Koundinya’s Pose

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

“eka” = one

“pada” = leg or foot

“Koundinya” = name of Sage

Pose Dedicated to Sage Koundinya

Eka Pada Koundinyasana II is also known as Flying Splits and is covered here.

Parsva Bhuja Dandasana

Grasshopper or Dragonfly Pose

Also known as: Maksikanagasana

Heart of Pose

Arm Balance
Twist

Effects / Benefits

Energy, Mood, Emotion

Effects to energy, mood or emotion may include the following.

Can inspire confidence.

Inner Body

Inner body effects may include the following.

Tones abdominal organs.

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