Vrschikasana

The scorpion pose. This posture resembles a scorpion as it arches it’s tail up over it’s back and prepares to sting it’s victim. This pose in an inverted arm balance taking a lot of arm strength and back flexibility.
There are many benefits from this pose. It strengthens the shoulders, abdominals and back and improves balance. It also stimulates internal organs such as the abdominal organs and lungs. Practicing the scorpion pose will increase blood flow to the brain and increase circulation in the limbs. It can increase fertility through stimulation of the reproductive organs.
Some people with specific ailments should not attempt the scorpion pose. This pose puts pressure on the eyes so do not do it if you suffer from glaucoma or detached retina. Don’t practice this pose if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart ailments. Those suffering from vertigo should not do this pose. Pregnant women and those with back problems should also avoid this pose.
Begin kneeling with your arms placed on the floor out in front of you, palms down and arms parallel to each other. No wider than your shoulder width.
Lift your head high and as you exhale swing your legs and trunk up. Stretch your chest vertically and try to keep you humerus (upper arm) perpendicular to the floor. Stretch your legs vertically to balance in Pincha Mayurasana
To move from here into scorpion, as you bend your knees forward over your head, your scapula need to slide together allowing your rib cage to lower and increase thoracic flexibility. It is important to lift your head and change the balance point as to compensate for the weight of your legs coming over your head. This will also allow full spinal extension.
As you come down into Scorpion you may find it easier to balance as your centre of gravity is lowered.
Breathing may be difficult in this pose as the anterior side of your body, abdomen, chest, neck and shoulders are all fully extended.
Enjoy being in this pose and feel the strength, balance and flexibility possessed by the scorpion.
It is important to practice this pose within your limits as the pose is not successfully completed until you have safely controlled your body out of the pose.  To exit this pose contract those anterior muscles at full stretch to bring your legs back up to vertical and then slowly control them back to the ground finishing in a kneeling position.
After this pose it is important to relieve the strain on your back and complete a counter pose such as Balasana or another forward bend pose where flexion of the spine is created.