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Backbend Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800100

Pigeon King Prep with Strap Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (strap)

Pigeon with a strap looped around the back foot so the bind can be approached gradually.

Practice Pigeon King Prep with Strap (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (strap)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Pigeon King Prep with Strap (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (strap)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Pigeon King Prep with Strap (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (strap)) — Backbend posture targeting Hip Flexors, Quads, Shoulders · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (strap)
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
40 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Hip Flexors, Quads, Shoulders
Energy Expenditure
3.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Pigeon King Prep with Strap

Pigeon King Prep with Strap (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (strap)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Quads, Shoulders at an intensity of approximately 3.0 METs. Pigeon with a strap looped around the back foot so the bind can be approached gradually.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 40-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Hip Flexors, Quads, Shoulders.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 10 years (120 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 40 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Shoulder injury

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