Parsvottanasana or Pyramid Yoga Pose
What is Parsvottanasana or Pyramid Yoga Pose?
Parsvottanasana or Pyramid Yoga Pose gets its name from ‘parsva’ which means flank or side, ‘ut’ meaning intense, and ‘tan’ which means to extend or stretch. So, it is in effect, an intense stretch pose for the entire body.
The Yoga Pyramid Pose is a standing pose, where you bend forward and downward, so that in its most flexible form, your head is almost touching your ankles. It thus provides a great stretch to your hamstrings and lengthens your spine. It also includes proper breathing techniques as your perform the posture.
Step by Step procedure:
Benefits: There are many ways in which this pose is beneficial.
Contraindications: Avoid the full Pyramid Yoga posture if you suffer from any back injury or illness of the abdomen.
Parsvottanasana or Pyramid Yoga Pose gets its name from ‘parsva’ which means flank or side, ‘ut’ meaning intense, and ‘tan’ which means to extend or stretch. So, it is in effect, an intense stretch pose for the entire body.
The Yoga Pyramid Pose is a standing pose, where you bend forward and downward, so that in its most flexible form, your head is almost touching your ankles. It thus provides a great stretch to your hamstrings and lengthens your spine. It also includes proper breathing techniques as your perform the posture.
Step by Step procedure:
- First stand in Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose). Now stretch out both your feet so that they are a little apart. You can either slide them along the floor to achieve this, or you can do it with a light jump. Keep your hands on the hips.
- Now take your arms behind your back and hold the forearm with either hand.
- Breathe in and out a few times to get a proper balance. Make your thighs firm and press down on the floor with your heels.
- Lift the chest and inhale deeply. Look upward, without straining your neck. Make your scapula firm against your back, and squeeze your thighs inward, as if you are squeezing a block between them.
- Now exhale slowly and begin to bend forward from your chest, and then your pelvis.
- Tucking your chin towards the chest, arch your torso and bring your head down toward your left leg, as much as possible. Do not worry if you are unable to bring them up to your ankles.
- Bring your fingertips down so that they touch the floor, on both sides of your feet. If that is difficult, take the support of a chair or blocks and keep your hands on them.
- Keep pressing the thighs back and lengthening your spine forward, breathing gently all the time.
- Hold the pose for 10 to 30 seconds, and then slowly come upright, inhaling all the time.
- Rest for a few seconds and repeat the pose on the other side. Repeat a few times.
Benefits: There are many ways in which this pose is beneficial.
- It stretches and strengthens the entire back and leg and improves balance and posture.
- The wrists, shoulders, hamstrings and hips are also strengthened and toned.
- It tones, massages and stimulates the organs in the abdomen, thus improving digestion.
- It is calming for the brain and improves hair, complexion and eyes.
Contraindications: Avoid the full Pyramid Yoga posture if you suffer from any back injury or illness of the abdomen.