Baka in Sanskrit means crane. Just like the bird it symbolizes, this compact arm balance asana induces a lot of patience in the practitioner. Crane Pose tones and strengthens the abdominal organs and arms. Arm balances doesn`t require enormous strength, just patience, concentration, and a cheerful demeanour.
Asana technique:
 Squat down from Tadasana with your inner feet a few inches apart. If it isn`t possible to keep your heels on the floor, support them on a thickly folded blanket.
Separate your knees wider than your hips and lean the torso forward, between the inner thighs.
Stretch your arms forward, then bend your elbows, place your hands on the floor and the backs of the upper arms against the shins.
Snuggle your inner thighs against the sides of your torso, and your shins into your armpits, and slide the upper arms down as low onto the shins as possible.
Lift up onto the balls of your feet and lean forward even more, taking the weight of your torso onto the backs of the upper arms. In Bakasana you consciously attempt to contract your front torso and round your back completely. To help yourself do this, keep your tailbone as close to your heels as possible.
With an exhalation, lean forward even more onto the backs of your upper arms, to the point where the balls of your feet leave the floor.
Now your torso and legs are balanced on the backs of your upper arms.
As a beginner at this pose, you might want to stop here, perched securely on the bent arms. But if you are ready to deepen your practice:
Squeeze the legs against the arms, press the inner hands firmly to the floor and (with an inhalation) straighten the elbows. Seen from the side the arms are angled slightly forward relative to the floor. The inner knees should be glued to the outer arms, high up near the armpits.
Keep the head in a neutral position with your eyes looking at the floor, or lift the head slightly, without compressing the back of the neck, and look forward.
Stay in the pose anywhere from 20 seconds to 1 minute. Release with a slow exhalation and slowly lower your feet to the floor, back into a squat.
Suggestion: Some beginners have a difficult time lifting into Bakasana from the floor. In that case It`s often helpful to prepare for this pose squatting on a block or other height, so that your feet are a few inches off the floor.
If you are reluctant to lean forward and take your feet off the floor, a partner can help you learn to balance in Bakasana. Just Squat in the ready position, hands on the floor, up on the balls of your feet. Have the partner stand in front of you. As you lean forward he/she will support your shoulders with his/her hands, to prevent you from toppling forward onto your face or head. Stay for a few breaths, getting a taste for the balanced position, yet secure in the hands of your partner.
Benefits of Bakasana:
This pose is good for strengthening arms and wrists .
It Stretches the upper back
Strengthens the abdominal muscles.
Opens the groins
Tones the abdominal organs
Precautions:
The asana should not be practised in case of:
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Pregnancy.
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