Monday, April 16, 2012

Yoga Posture: Side of Chest Stretch (Parsvottanasana)


Parsva means side or flank.  Uttana (ut=intense, and tan=to extend, stretch, lengthen) means an intense stretch.  The same implies a pose in which the side of the chest is stretched intensely.

This asana relieves stiffness in the legs and  hip muscles and makes the hip joints and spine elastic.  While the head is resting on the knees, the abdominal organs are contracted and toned.  The wrists move freely and any stiffness there disappears.  The posture also corrects round and drooping shoulders.  In the correct pose, the shoulders are drawn well back and this makes deep breathing easier.

This standing forward bend is excellent for opening both the hip and  shoulder joints.  It provides a strong stretch for the back of the legs and gently contracts the abdominal organs.  Regular practice of Parsvottanasana stimulates and tones the kidneys, an effect you can feel once you are comfortable in the final pose.  The asana also helps to remove stiffness in the neck,  shoulders, and elbows.

Other benefits of the asana includes cools the brain and soothes the nerves.  Relieves arthritis of the neck, shoulders, elbows and wrists.  Improves digestion.  Tones the liver and spleen.  Reduces menstrual pain.



Note: Please perform the yoga under the guide of a certified yoga teacher especially for beginner. You are at your own risk and responsible if you perform on your own. Whatever provided here is just act as an information.


Source from Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
                     The Yoga Bible by Christina Brown
                     Yoga The Path to Holistic Health by B.K.S. Iyengar