1. Look Like a Scorpion
Prepare for this pose by kneeling on the floor. Place the elbows, forearms and hands on the floor in front of your body palms-down. Place the elbows about shoulder-distance apart, with the hands a bit closer together. Lift the head high, as if trying to look straight forward. Straighten the legs to lift the butt as high as possible without moving the arms. With an inhalation, lift the feet off the ground and extend the legs straight into the air, vertical from the floor. When you have gained balance, slowly bend the knees to bring the feet toward the head.
2. Reap the Benefits
Inversion yoga poses such as the scorpion have many physical benefits. The entire front of the body is stretched, especially the chest, neck, spine and abs. This pose strengthens the arms, shoulders and back. It stimulates internal organs such as the abdominal organs and lungs. Practicing the scorpion pose will increase blood flow to the brain and increase circulation in the limbs. It can increase fertility through stimulation of the reproductive organs.
3. Not for Everyone
Some with specific ailments should not attempt the scorpion pose. This pose puts pressure on the eyes so do not do it if you suffer from glaucoma or detached retina. Don't practice this pose if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart ailments. Those suffering from vertigo should also not do this pose. In addition, pregnant women and those with back problems should not do this pose.
4. Baby Steps to the Pose
Balancing yoga positions like the scorpion are very challenging. This is an advanced pose, and you should not try it unless you can do other inversion poses easily. First, perfect a hand stand and a head stand. This pose requires great flexibility and strength in the back and arms.
5. Other Ways to Do It
Further challenge yourself if you have perfected this pose. Hold this pose with legs straight up in the air and perpendicular to the floor instead of allowing feet to fall. This requires greater strength in the back and arms and a greater sense of balance. Another variation of this pose is to do as described above, but instead of allowing feet to fall loosely, bring them to rest on the top of your head. This requires more flexibility and agility.
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