I love pigeon pose!
In this video I am going to show you how to do sleeping pigeon. Then I will demonstrate how to use a block to support your head or (my favourite!) a bolster to support your torso. This makes it a really restorative yoga pose and allows you to hold the pose a little longer than usual.
A few things to remember:
- Respect your knee – if you feel any strain on the knee joint of the front leg, come out of the pose. An alternative is Figure 4 Pose on your back.
- Keep length in your spine as you fold forward.
- Bring your foot in toward your midline for less intensity. Bring it out (more parallel to the top of your mat) to intensify the stretch.
- Pigeon can be intense. Focus on your breath. Allow the opening to occur, don’t force it.
- If you are doing the supported version on a bolster, try holding the pose longer – 3 minutes on each side. This will provide a lovely, deep release.
- Come out slowly and mindfully. Allow yourself a moment to feel the effects before continuing.