Asana
Revolved Rooster Pose - Parsva Kukkutasana
​Arm Balances - Twisting Poses - Lotus 

Kevin Wrenn Photography

This pose has various adept requirements making it quite a challenging asana. Generally the best way to get into the pose is from Tripod Headstand. Having the legs in an easy lotus and lots of upper body strength, deep abdominal twisting stabilisers work as you slowly lower and twist one knee to the opposite arm. Once the knee is securely in place, then lifting the head. The shoulders, back, and chest are amazingly developed in this pose and the twist is very deep. There is a lot of concentration in the interesting asymmetrical balance that comes through the shoulder work.

It is important to be familiar and comfortable with very deep twists in poses like Baddha Parvritta Parsvakonasana - Bound Revolved Side Angle Pose, or Ardha Matseyendrasana - Seated Twist Pose before attempting Parsva Kukkutasana. Other related necessary poses would be comfort and endurance in Bakasana, and Plank Pose. If Lotus is not accessible other similar arm balance poses could be practiced like Parsva Bakkasana, or Koundinyasana.

Progression

Progression sequence photos coming soon.

​Final Alignment

Knee of the opposite side lands just above and outside the elbow.
Maintain broad upper shoulders and chest engaged.
Grip down through the palms or bend your middle knuckles making Tiger claws.
​Gaze forward on the ground.
Squeeze through your core as you use shoulder shoulders to keep your hips light.

Assisting

First a practitioner could be guided into Kukkutasana without the twist, from Handstand. Spotter behind the back hands around the hips. As they lower down and bend the elbows with legs in lotus, knees towards armpits, spotter assists by lifting hips slightly to slow down the descent and control. Once this is accomplished, same technique for Parsva Kukkutasana from Tripod Headstand.