Mermaid Yoga Pose
Mermaid pose is known as a seated and backbend posture in yoga. It’s also a deep hip opening pose that focuses on the shape of the pose more than anything. The name mermaid comes from how the pose looks because the back foot comes up and makes the back leg look like a mermaid’s tail. It’s one of the most elegant poses in yoga but it takes a lot of work.
Mermaid pose is part of another pose, pigeon pose. It can only be done after a person has gotten into pigeon and is already stable there, otherwise, the pose won’t be stable, and the person may fall over.
The basics of mermaid pose
Mermaid pose is an extremely difficult pose that focuses on the hips, groin, spine, shoulders, quads, and chest area. All of these areas in the body are either engaged or stretched in this pose. It’s not a pose just thrown into any flow, it’s usually a peak pose because of its difficulty. The body needs to be fully warmed up and prepared for this pose and even then, it won’t come easy. That makes it an advanced pose.
Mermaid pose is known in Sanskrit as Eka Pada Rajakapotasana. This Sanskrit name is also used for one-legged pigeon pose, which is the pose that needs to be achieved before doing mermaid pose. These two poses go together and complement each other although mermaid pose is a harder variation of pigeon pose.
The benefits of practicing mermaid pose
Mermaid pose has so many benefits because it focuses on so many parts of the body. It lengthens the spine and improves posture, as well as spinal flexibility. It opens the hips, stretches them, and increases hip flexibility with continuous practice of the pose. It prepares the body for deeper hip flexibility poses like side splits.
It also stretches the shoulders and improves shoulder mobility because of how the shoulders have to rotate in the pose. At the same time, it’s a heart opener so it lengthens the collarbones and opens the chest area. Mermaid pose requires a stable seat for the person to be able to lean back and grab the back foot. Therefore, it also improves balance and body awareness.
How to do mermaid pose
Step by step instructions for getting into the pose
- Begin in a downward facing dog with the hands shoulder-width distance apart. Slowly lift the right leg up first and bring the right knee behind the right wrist. Lay the shin down parallel to the front of the mat and slowly lower the body down.
- Move the left leg back a bit more so that you’re as close to the ground as possible. If you need to, you can bring the right foot in closer to the body to make it an easier stretch and an easier balance.
- Sit on both sits bones evenly as you attempt to take the hands off of the floor. You have to be stable in the legs to do this pose because the hands won’t be able to assist in balancing.
- Slowly turn your body slightly to the left as you bend your left knee to bring the left foot up. Try and grab onto the left foot with the left hand and test your balance here.
- Begin to snuggle the left foot into the elbow crease of the left arm.
- Bring the right arm up and over and place the right hand in between the shoulder blades. Attempt to get hands to hold and bind.
- Arch the back and open the shoulders whilst relaxing into the pose. The more relaxed you are, the easier this pose will be. Hold for 5-10 breaths before slowly releasing and going to the other side.
Common mistakes made when doing the pose
The biggest mistake that people make when going into mermaid pose is pushing themselves too far. This is an extremely deep backbend and hip opener. It’s an advanced pose that takes a lot of work and pushing yourself into it isn’t safe or comfortable. Going too far in this pose can result in knee and back pain, which isn’t something we want in this pose.
Many people also rush into the pose and end up falling out of it or losing their balance. This pose has a lot of elements to it and to ensure all of them are achieved the person needs to move slowly through them. Moving slowly also ensures that a person is listening to their body and paying attention at that moment instead of rushing into the final pose.
Beginners’ tips
The most important tip for beginners is to move slowly. This is not a beginner-friendly pose, which is not to say that a beginner won’t be able to do it, rather it’ll be a lot of work to get into. Don’t rush into the pose or force the backbend. Rather practice the shape of the pose and similar movements that the pose requires before doing the final pose.
Always warm up the hips, shoulders, and spine before trying the pose out. This pose will be difficult no matter what, but if everything is properly warmed up it’ll be a lot easier. Listen to your body and don’t go further than what is comfortable. Over time it will come but there’s no need to rush into it.
Cautions
If someone is experiencing any kind of neck, back, spine, hip, groin, or shoulder pain they should avoid this pose. If someone has an injury in any of these areas, then they should not be doing mermaid pose. Similarly, if pain is felt whilst in the pose then the person should back off. Always consult a doctor or physician before going into any physical exercise or movement.
Variations
An easier variation of this pose would be to try out one-legged pigeon pose. Get comfortable in this pose and practice balancing with no hands on the floor. This is a good preparatory posture for mermaid pose. If someone wants to try a harder variation, they could try out king pigeon pose, which is an even deeper backbend. This pose requires open shoulders and a very flexible spine to be able to grab the foot with both hands and bend the back to get the foot to touch the back of the head.References:
