Foot Behind the Head II Pose (Eka Pada Shirshasana B)

Foot Behind the Head II Pose advances the first variation by adding a forward fold over the extended leg while one foot remains draped behind the neck, creating a profound combined stretch through the hamstrings, outer hip, and spine. The compression of the posture stimulates abdominal organs and challenges the practitioner to maintain calm, even breathing under significant physical intensity. From the seated upright position with one foot behind the head, the torso lowers toward the outstretched leg with arms extending forward or clasping the foot.

Cues

• Maintain the foot-behind-head position actively rather than letting the head drop forward or the leg slide off the shoulder.
• Hinge from the hip crease of the extended leg rather than rounding heavily through the lumbar spine.
• Keep the extended leg's foot flexed and press out through the heel to engage the hamstring protectively.
• Use slow, steady exhales to release deeper into the fold without sacrificing the integrity of either leg's position.