the number one factor that makes all arm balances possible

Arm balances may look spectacular but out of all the asana families, they are probably the least complex

Arm balances are all about GRAVITY

When the body moves out of its natural center of gravity, you create an emergency centre (of gravity).
Every Yoga posture is essentially built around this emergency centre.

Balances show this very clearly.

When one body part moves in one direction, another (body part) needs to move in the opposite direction (otherwise you fall)

So often in arm balances, why students struggle isn’t to do with strength / flexibility.

It’s simply because there is too much weight in one direction (and not enough weight in the other).

Think of a seesaw. To balance at the same level, there needs to be an equilibrium of weight on both sides.

One of the best arm balance postures to visually demonstrate this is Mayurasana.

You don’t need to jump or leap.
Very slowly, as the head moves forward (and you keep elongating the legs back), the feet slowly lift away from the ground on their own.

This is essentially what happens in all arm balances.
Balances such as handstand often take longer to find balance because the weight on each side is much closer to the centre. The slightest move in one direction and you fall.

In postures such as Mayurasana, because there is longer weight leverage on each side, it can be easier to find balance.

Whichever arm balance you practice, if you struggle to take off or find it very physical/heavy, look through the lens of gravity

Are you sending another weight forward (and countering with equal weight backwards)?

Take a photo from the side and draw a line down the middle - you can then clearly see how much weight is on one side

Let us know if this helps!
We’d love to know what aspect of arm balance you find the most challenging, please share!