Other Names
Tortoise Posture, Kachhua or Kachua Asan, Kurm Asan, Karma Asana
Description
This asana looks like a tortoise that’s why it is called tortoise pose. In Sanskrit ‘kurma’ means tortoise that’s why it is called kurmasana also.
How to reach the stretch
- From staff posture (Dandasana) , spread the legs out as wide as comfortable.
- Bend both knees and slide the arms under the knees.
- Rock back and forth to slide the arms further under the legs and to bring the arms behind your back with the palms facing down.
- Begin to straighten the legs, pressing out through the heels, using the legs to pull the shoulders down to the floor.
- Let the head hang, or bring the chin or forehead to the floor.
- Breathe and hold for 3-8 breaths.
How to release the stretch
Benefits
- Tortoise opens the hips and stretches the legs, back, and shoulders.
- This posture draws the focus of the mind inward and promotes surrender, inner security and tranquility.