Bhekasana / Mandukasana (Frog Pose) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
Poses
Bhekasana / Mandukasana (Frog Pose), and related poses such as Ardha Bhekasana (Half Frog Pose)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; associated benefits and typical effects; contraindications and cautions.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Backbending
Bhekasana
“bheka” = frog
Frog Pose
Mandukasana
“manduk” = frog
Frog Pose
Heart of the Pose
- Backbend
- Quad Stretch
Naming & Differentiation
The asana is similar to Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)… the yogi lies on the belly, brings the heels to the buttocks and grabs the feet. In bhekasana, though, the legs are separated, the thighs remain on the ground and the hands press down on the feet. – Yogapedia link
- Some sources (including B.K.S. Iyengar in Light on Yoga) use Bhekasana and Mandukasana interchangeably, referring to the pose described here.
- Other sources use the name Mandukasana to refer to a forward bend that massages the abdominal organs. In this pose, begin in Vajrasana. Press navel with both fists and bend forward. See photo and description here.
- Frog Pose in Yin Yoga is different. See that pose here.
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