Seated leg extension

Archer's Pose

Akarna Dhanurasana आकर्णधनुरासन

IntermédiaireEnv. a brief, comfortable hold per sidePrononciation : ah-KAR-nuh dhun-oo-RAH-suh-nuh (approximate English cue)

Archer's Pose is a seated leg-extension variation in which one foot may draw toward the ear. Keep the spine supported, use a strap, and do not pull the leg toward the head; the full range is not required.

Illustration au trait de Archer's Pose (Akarna Dhanurasana)
Nom sanskritAkarna Dhanurasana
Type de pratiqueSeated leg extension
Niveau suggéréIntermédiaire
Pratiquez dans une amplitude confortableCe guide est informatif et ne constitue pas un avis médical personnalisé. Arrêtez en cas de douleur aiguë, d’engourdissement, d’étourdissement ou d’inconfort respiratoire.

What is Archer's Pose?

Akarna Dhanurasana is a seated leg-extension posture whose name evokes drawing a bow. Versions differ; a seated strap-assisted leg lift is a lower-range way to explore the movement.

How do you practice a supported version?

Sit on a folded blanket with both legs in front and a strap available.

  1. Bend one knee and hold behind the thigh or loop a strap around the foot.
  2. Keep the torso upright and the opposite leg relaxed, with its knee slightly bent if needed.
  3. Lift the foot only a small amount; do not pull it toward the ear or head.
  4. Breathe naturally, then lower the foot with control.
  5. Change sides only if the seated position remains comfortable.

How can you modify Archer's Pose?

Keep the foot low, use a chair, or practice a simple bent-knee seated position. The bow-like arm action is optional.

When should you stop or modify?

Stop for hip, knee, back, or hamstring pain, numbness, or tingling. This draft awaits teacher review.

Common question: Does the foot need to reach the ear?

No. The name is not a required range-of-motion target.

Références et lectures complémentaires

Ces références fournissent un contexte général. Elles ne valident pas chaque indication de cette page et ne remplacent pas les conseils d’un enseignant qualifié.

  1. Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). General context on yoga safety and adapting postures; not pose-specific instruction.