Utthita Parsvakonasna (Extended Side Angle Pose) - How to Practice and Its Benefits and Contraindications
Utthita Parsvakonasna is derived from Sanskrit words ‘Utthita Parsvakon’ means ‘Extended side angle’ and ‘asana’ means ‘pose’. It is a stretching asana and a part of modern yoga. It is a standing and side stretching asana. This is one of the asanas, which anyone can do. It is done, by stretching the side body. It is a beginner level pose, which can be started under the aegis of a learned coach. It is a very popular pose for people with sedentary lifestyle.
How To Do It ?
⦁ Stand with your feet at a distance of 1-2 feet.
⦁ Turn your right foot out, so that your toes are pointing outwards and turn your left toes in, at a 45-degree angle.
⦁ Breathe out and bend your right knee, with the thigh parallel to the floor, and the knee above the ankle.
⦁ Inhale deeply and contract your lower abdomen.
⦁ On exhalation, extend the body over the right leg, and bring your right arm downwards, with support from your elbow on your right thigh, or by placing your hand on the floor towards the inside or the outside of the right foot.
⦁ Take the left arm over your head, from the side of the left ear.
⦁ Turn your palm a bit, so that you are bringing the little finger side of your hand to face the floor.
⦁ Rotate the ribcage and elongate the spine alongside, towards the ceiling.
⦁ If your neck allows it, you can look up from underneath the left armpit towards the ceiling.
⦁ Hold this pose anywhere for some time.
⦁ To come out of this pose, ground the feet, and on an inhalation strongly extend through the left arm, and come back up to straight.
Also Read : sound healing course in india
Benefits of Utthita Parsvakonasna (Extended Side Angle Pose)
⦁ This is one of the best asanas, which affect the oblique muscles. They get a deep stretch due to the practice of this asana.
⦁ It also impacts the lower body. You will find it stimulating around the knees, calves, ankles, thighs and glutes as well.
⦁ This is one of the best asanas, which can improve the body’s balance and co-ordination.
⦁ It also benefits people with respiratory problems, by opening up the chest. Patients suffering from Asthma and COPD also benefit from the same.
⦁ It enhances the body’s circulation and cognitive functioning.
⦁ You can also get relief from certain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
⦁ It is a great addition to your home workouts, once you learn it in a proper manner.
Contraindications
⦁ Anyone having any injury in the arms, back, neck, hips, or legs, must avoid this asana.
⦁ If you suffer from chronic headache and migraine, you should avoid this pose.
⦁ If you have Vertigo, you must avoid this pose.
⦁ All those who have high or low blood pressure, must avoid this pose.
⦁ All those who suffer from Cervical Spondylitis, must avoid this pose.
for more info about Utthita Parsvakonasna (Extended Side Angle Pose) you can visit rishikesh yoga school and join 200 hour yoga teacher training in india and 300 hour yoga teacher training in india
