Parsva – Side, Uttana – Intense stretch, Asana – Pose or Posture
This pose is pronounced as parsh-voh-tahn-ah-sana
With a unique combination of balance and surrender, this posture is ideal to calm the mind. It also brings about great benefits for the abdominal organs, and aids in digestion.
How to do Parsvottanasana
- Stand erect and tall in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
- Bring the left foot two to three feet behind the right one, and move into the pyramid stance.
- Place your hands behind your back in reverse prayer position.
- Keeping your hips square to the front, exhale; hinging from the hips, bend forward over the right leg.
- As you breathe in, lengthen your spine, and as you breathe out, bring your torso towards the thigh.
- Relax and hold this position for three to five long breaths.
- Gently release the posture, and come back to Tadasana.
- Repeat with the other leg.
Benefits
- Helps stretch the hips, legs, and hamstrings
- Improves body posture, and balances the body and mind
- Massages the abdominal organs, and improves digestion
- Calms the mind
Contraindications
- If you have a back or shoulder injury, hold each elbow with the other hand instead of the reverse prayer position. Or, you can place your hands on your hips.
- Do not lock the knee joints. Bend the knees only slightly, if the hamstrings feel too strained.
- Pregnant women should avoid this asana.
- Since this is a balancing asana, do not keep your eyes closed in the final position.
Based on inputs from Mickey Singh, Faculty, The Art of Living
