Vinyala

Pose sheet

Crisscross Pose

Lie face down and cross your straight arms beneath your chest.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Pelvis, abdomen, legs, crossed arms, and forehead on floor or support.

Enter

  1. Lie face down, legs straight, tops of your feet grounded.
  2. Support yourself on your forearms and slightly lift your chest.
  3. Slide your right arm leftward beneath your chest.
  4. Cross your left arm above it, reaching toward the right.
  5. Lower your chest and support your forehead; keep your elbows straight.

Hold

  1. Keep your palms facing down and your arms supported.
  2. Keep your pelvis centered, without rolling to either side.
  3. Allow your shoulder blades to spread apart.

Exit

  1. Lift your head and slowly release your arms.
  2. Rest in Crocodile; repeat with your other arm underneath.
Breathing
Breathe gently and naturally.
Gaze
Toward the floor, without lifting your head.
Duration
Three minutes per crossing.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Forehead supportPlace a cushion or block beneath your forehead.
  • Chest supportPlace a bolster beneath your chest.

Variations

  • Half Crisscross Pose.
  • Sleeping Eagle: elbows bent, forearms wrapped, head supported.

Signals of effort

  • Some torso weight rests on your crossed arms.
  • Both shoulders remain in horizontal adduction.