Revolving Beam Yoga Pose

Parivrtta Parighasana

Revolving Beam Yoga Pose
overview

Revolving Beam Yoga Pose is a backbend pose that targets the shoulders and chest and is ideal for yogis and yoginis at an intermediate level.

anahata – the heart chakra
visuddha – the throat chakra
sahasrara – the crown chakra
related poses

intermediate | backbend | shoulders, chest

[yoga-sharrre]

[yoga-tags]

How To Do Revolving Beam Yoga Pose
  1. Begin in the kneeling position, knees about hip-width apart. Lengthen your spine upward, pulling your tailbone in toward the abdomen, keeping quads perpendicular to the floor. The tops of the feet and shins should be pressed into the ground.
  2. Exhale and lean back slightly, placing the left hand just outside of the left ankle with fingers pointing back the same direction as the toes. Press your palm against the floor, spreading out the fingers. If necessary, lower your buttocks slightly toward the heels.
  3. Pressing into the left hand, lift the right knee off the ground and extend the leg forward and to the right at about a 45 degree angle away from the body. Straighten the leg completely, pressing the sole of the foot against the floor.
  4. Lift up and forward at the pelvis to bring the left thigh perpendicular to the floor again, straightening the left arm without locking the elbow. Lift the rib cage up toward the ceiling, arching the back to curve the spine. Stretch your right arm up over your head, extending it back to continue the curve of your spine.
  5. Hold this position for several breaths, 30-60 seconds if possible. To come out, lower the raised arm and bend the right knee, drawing it back toward the left. Push through the left hand to lift the torso up, returning to the kneeling position. Repeat all steps with the other leg.
Notes
  • Breathe deeply through each step.
  • Not much weight should be falling on the knee since the same hand and opposite foot are also grounded. If you have some pain or tension in the knee, place a folded blanket under it for protection.
  • Do not perform if you have serious knee, shoulder, back or wrist injury, or have a yoga instructor modify the pose for you.
Tips

If you are unable to place the foot of your extended leg flat on the mat, start out by pushing your heel into the mat while pointing the toes actively toward the floor.
If you’re experiencing back pain, try placing the supporting hand parallel to the knee with about a foot of space between your hand and foot. This will relieve a lot of tension from the back, but also lessens the stretch throughout the body.

Stretches & Strengthens

All Muscles: Shoulders, pecs, quads, hamstrings, calves, lower back

Target Muscles: Shoulders, chest

Health Benefits of Revolving Beam Yoga Pose
  • Opens the chest and increases lung capacity.
  • Can relieve stress, anxiety, mild depression and fatigue.
  • Can relieve mild back pain.

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Parivrtta Parighasana

(par-ee-vrt-tah par-ee-GAHS-anna)

parivrtta: turned around, revolved
parigha: gate of a palace, iron bar used for locking or shutting a gate
asana: posture

History & Mythology

History & Mythology


There’s gotta be some history or mythology on this pose! We’ve looked high and low and have only come up with this message. Perhaps you have some information or resource for us to explore?

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