PASCHIMOTTANASANA

PASCHIMOTTANASANAThe word paschima means ‘the back’, or ‘posterior’, it also means ‘the west’. The word uttan means ‘to stretch’. Therefore, the usual English name of this asana is ‘the back stretching pose’.This asana is widely mentioned in many ancient texts. In the ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika ‘ it say:“ knees straight and forehead on the knees, hands on toes in a sitting position. It directs vital energy into the back especially in the sushumna; the digestive power is increased, the obesity reduced. Man become free of diseases and maintains the body in a healthy condition,”It is similarly described in such books as the Gherand Samhita and the Shiva Samhita. In fact, the Shiva Samhita is more specific in praising this asana. It says:“ A person who perfects this asana and does it daily induces vayu (vital or pranic energy) to flow through the back in the sushumna”*Benefits:Stretches the hamstring muscles and loosens the hips joints. Effectively removes excess fat in the abdominal region. Tones all the abdominal organs and removes diseases of this area, such as diabetes. It also activates the kidneys, liver, pancreas and adrenal glands.*LIMITATIONSPeople who suffer from slipped disc or sciatica are advised not to do this asana.

Photos

PASCHIMOTTANASANA

Comments