Parsvottanasana(Intense Side Stretch Pose)
- This is the intense side stretch. Start in Tadasana.
- Then walk, step or jump your feet three or three and a half feet apart.
- Join your palms in Anjali mudra behind your back on an inhale as you draw your shoulders back.
- Then turn your right foot out 90 degrees.
- Turn your left foot inwards slightly so it is pointing in the direction of the right foot.
- Make your thighs firm.
- Now exhale and turn your torso to the right as you bend your body forward and down from the lower back.
- Rest your forehead on your thigh or knee, if possible.
- Stay here breathing easily for thirty seconds.
- Then inhale and raise your head and torso back up, relax your arms down and bring your feet back so you are in Tadasana again.
- Then repeat this on the left side.
Precaution:
- Glaucoma or high blood pressure
- Shoulder injury.
Benefits:
- Opens the chest.
- Increases balance.
- Stimulates the abdominal organs.
- Provides deep stretch for the legs, hips, and side torso.
- Relieves arthritis in the neck and spine.
- Relieves stiffness in the neck, shoulders, elbows, and wrists.