Paripurna Navasana Variations—Iyengar Yoga

Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Kathy Cook demonstrate a Yoga pose

Kathy Cook

Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher

How To Do Boat Pose

Paripurna Navasana (Boat Pose) is a powerful yoga posture. Paripurna means “full” or “complete,” while Navasana refers to its boat-like shape.

This posture is one of several poses that develop strength and flexibility in the spine. It firms the back muscles while strengthening the hips and abdominal organs.

The pose stimulates sluggish organs like the liver, spleen, and pancreas, helping them function normally. It also benefits those with intestinal issues, including constipation, gas, and kidney imbalances.

When holding the pose, keep your legs straight and firm, spine erect, head floating, chin parallel to the floor, and chest and lower back lifted. Your body should feel as though it’s floating weightlessly like a boat.

This is a process—take your time to patiently develop awareness as you learn, study, and practice.

Women can practice this pose two months after delivery. After a cesarean section, wait six months and return gently, always listening to your body.

If you have lower back challenges, use props and observe your body’s response. Avoid the pose if you need more time to develop strength and stability or if you feel excessive strain.

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