INSTRUCTIONS:

Kneel. Place the hands, palms on the floor between the knees with the wrists to the front. Bend until the abdomen is resting on the elbows. Slowly raise the body and legs to a horizontal position: the body is now resting on the hands with the forearms vertical.

BENEFITS: Mayurasana is quite difficult, but very important: is great for the liver and pancreas, tones up the abdominal muscles, helps in digestion (the blood is concentrated and sent to the digestive organs), assimilation and elimination.

In India this posture was used in the past against certain kinds of poison (because its effects on digestion).

If you are suffering from any health condition, it is advisable not to perform these postures unless under the supervision of an experienced yoga instructor.