Eka Pada Paripurna Vrischikasana: One-Legged Full Scorpion Pose
Eka Pada Paripurna Vrischikasana, or One-Legged Full Scorpion Pose, is an advanced inversion and profound backbend that embodies both immense strength and deep flexibility. In Sanskrit, "Eka Pada" means "one leg," "Paripurna" translates to "full" or "complete," and "Vrischikasana" means "Scorpion Pose." This pose builds upon the foundation of Forearm Stand, challenging practitioners to find balance and grace while extending one leg forward in a dramatic backbend.
Considered a peak pose for many, Eka Pada Paripurna Vrischikasana is a testament to dedicated practice, requiring a strong core, open hips, flexible spine, and unwavering focus. This pose often appears in advanced yoga sequences and is a remarkable expression of physical and mental control.
How to Practice One-Legged Full Scorpion Pose
To safely enter Eka Pada Paripurna Vrischikasana, approach the pose with a thoroughly warmed-up body, particularly the shoulders, spine, and hamstrings. Many practitioners find it helpful to visualize the alignment, almost as if using a personalized “{POSE_NAME} generator” to map out the movements.
- Begin in Dolphin Pose, with your forearms grounded parallel to each other, shoulder-width apart, and fingers spread wide. Ensure your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders.
- Engage your core and lift your hips high, walking your feet closer to your elbows.
- Inhale and, with control, kick one leg powerfully towards the sky, allowing the momentum to lift your second leg off the floor as you transition into a forearm stand. Find your balance here, engaging your abdominal muscles.
- Once stable in forearm stand, exhale and begin to bend both knees, drawing your heels towards your glutes in the full Scorpion Pose variation.
- With control and grace, extend one leg forward, parallel to the floor, actively reaching through the heel. Simultaneously, keep the other knee bent, allowing the thigh to remain parallel to the floor. Your gaze (drishti) can be directed towards the tip of your nose (nasagre) to aid concentration.
- Hold the pose for a few breaths, maintaining core engagement and a steady breath.
- To exit the pose, inhale and gently lift the extended leg back towards the sky. Exhale as you slowly and with control lower both legs back to the floor, returning to Dolphin Pose or Child’s Pose to rest.
Benefits of One-Legged Full Scorpion Pose
- Improves Balance and Focus: As an inversion and arm balance, the pose demands intense concentration and refined proprioception, significantly enhancing balance and mental acuity.
- Expands the Lungs and Chest: The deep backbend opens the chest and rib cage, improving lung capacity and promoting deeper, more expansive breathing.
- Develops Arm and Core Strength: Holding this pose builds exceptional strength in the forearms, shoulders, and core muscles, crucial for stability in inversions.
- Tones the Spine and Increases Spinal Flexibility: The backbending action deeply stretches and tones the entire spine, improving its flexibility and mobility over time.
- Develops Self-Confidence: Mastering such a challenging pose instills a profound sense of accomplishment and bolsters self-confidence both on and off the mat.
Cautions and Contraindications
Due to its advanced nature and the demands it places on the body, Eka Pada Paripurna Vrischikasana should be avoided by individuals with:
- Shoulder or back injuries.
- High blood pressure.
- Glaucoma.
- Heart conditions.
- Pregnancy.
- Always listen to your body and consult with a qualified yoga instructor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
One-Legged Full Scorpion Pose Details
| Sanskrit Name: | Eka Pada Paripurna Vrischikasana |
| Pronunciation: | eh-kah PAH-dah par-ee-POOR-nah vrish-chee-KAH-sah-nah |
| Pose Level: | Advanced |
| Drishti: | Nasagre (Tip of the nose) |
| Pose Type: | Arm Balances, Backbends, Balancing, Chest Openers, Core, Inversions, Strength |











