Eagle arms

Stretch your arms out in front of you crossing the left arm over the right. Wrapping the arms as tightly as you can, try to get your hands to touch. If they don't, then clasp opposite shoulders. Move the elbows upwards so you feel a stretch in the triceps and the opening in the shoulder blades. 

The higher you get your elbows, the stronger the pose becomes. Keep the shoulders down and relaxed and as far away from the ears as possible. It can feel really good to get your chin to your chest. 

​

To exit, lower the elbows down, slowly releasing the bind. It can be nice to shake the arms and move them widely and backwards. Now switch arms and repeat on the other side. 

​

Benefits

• Opening the scapelae by abducting; great if you sit behind a desk a lot

• adduction the arms

• Flexion of the triceps 

​

Contra indications  / modifications and prop use

• Shoulders/neck issues: When there is lots of tension and tightness; hold the shoulders instead of touching hands

• ​You might want to skip out on all upper body yin poses if you have a severe arm or shoulder injury. If you do take a pose, make sure that you don't hold the pose for longer than a minute. 

​

Alternative pose

Cow face arms