Paryankasana (Couch Pose, 2* on the scale of difficulty), derives it’s name from the resemblance of the body in this asana to a couch.
The placement of the crown of your head on the floor in Paryankasana helps determine the depth of the backbend in the pose. If you place the very topmost portion of your head, the flat part, on the ground, the backbend intensifies – especially in your cervical spine. I prefer instead to place the back of the crown of my head on the floor. For me, this alignment creates a more even backbend from my lumbar spine all the way up to my cervical spine and a greater sense of ease in the asana.
Explore placing various points of your crown on the floor to find the sweet spot on your couch.
Tags: alignment, asana, backbending, Iyengar, Light on Yoga, Paryankasana
This photo is a vision of beauty: not so much because of the skill of the photographer, I think (though it was clearly taken by a professional) but more owing to the particular beauty and elegance of the yogi demonstrating the pose.