This variation intensifies the action in the hamstrings of the front leg because of deeper hip flexion and more bodyweight over the front leg. At the same time, it diminishes the action in the back hip and in the spine. By adducting the front leg, the piriformis is brought into the lengthening action.

This is perhaps the most frequently used stretch for the infamous piriformis. Because this muscle crosses over the larges nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, tightness in this muscle can be the cause of sciatic pain. This variation of pigeon pose helps to release tension in the piriformis in a mostly passive, relaxed position, as opposed to the more active base required of the full pigeon. Being a deep hip stabilizer, the piriformis requires at least a minute of sustained stretching to release its spindle reflex and actually begin lengthening. Before the release of the spindles, the main sensation is actually of the muscles resisting the stretch to protect themselves from injury. When viewing this pose from underneath, you can see clearly that the sciatic nerve is also stretched in this position.