Peacock
Maya - Pose Assistant
Ask me anything about Peacock
Benefits
Peacock Pose (Mayurasana) is an advanced and classic arm balance renowned for strengthening the upper body and core, toning abdominal organs, and aiding digestion. It symbolizes digestive fire and requires significant wrist and forearm strength.
Practice Guide
Kneel on the floor with knees wide. Place hands flat on floor between knees, fingers pointing towards your body (or slightly out if more comfortable), thumbs spread.
Lean forward, bringing elbows together to touch (or close). Rest your abdomen/solar plexus area firmly onto the shelf created by your upper arms/elbows.
Extend legs straight back one at a time, into a low plank position with belly resting on elbows.
Engage core and legs strongly. Press into hands, lift head/chest slightly, gaze forward.
Shift weight forward until legs/feet lift off floor, balancing entirely on hands, body parallel to floor.
Hold, breathing steadily. To exit, gently lower feet, then knees, and rest in Child's Pose.
Modifications
Use blocks under feet or forehead for support while learning to find the balance point
Practice with knees bent and feet on floor, focusing on core engagement and elbow placement
Place hands on yoga blocks for more lift
Fingers can point forward (Hamsasana variation) for less wrist intensity, but modifies traditional benefits
Safety Notes
⚠Acute wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries
⚠High blood pressure
⚠Hernia (abdominal or hiatal)
⚠Pregnancy
⚠Recent abdominal surgery
⚠Active intestinal issues like ulcers, colitis, or appendicitis
⚠Glaucoma or other eye pressure conditions
Anatomy
Muscles Targeted
Muscles Stretched
What's Next?
Maya suggests trying these poses:
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
Sequencing
Warm-up Poses
Counter Poses
✨ Maya's Tips
These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.