PARSVAKONASANA

Extended Side Angle Pose Benefits:

As this pose is a combination of both Trikonasana and Virabhadrasana II, the benefits derived would be similar to those with the practice of the above mentioned poses. Given below are some of the benefits explained.

·                     Strengthens the legs: The main focus in this pose is the alignment of the legs, and with the position of the foot, ankles, knee and the hip, enhances the muscles gaining in the entire leg strength. The deep stretching of the leg too helps in strengthening the overall lower body.

·                     Flexing of joints: With a deep stretch at the knee, hip and ankle, this posture improves the flexibility at the joints and makes the leg strong for further advance poses. The strengthening and flexing of these joints also works to the advantage of all balancing poses while standing.

·                     Great opening of the chest and the shoulders: The position of the upper body while moving forward downwards with the torso, adds to the wide opening of the chest in a simple twist, while taking the shoulder back and out. The stretching of the arm out completely expands the muscles around the chest and the shoulders. This improves the breathing and gives a quick energy to the entire body.

·                     Overall body muscle strength: Utthita Parsvakonasana  or Extended Side Angle Pose gives an overall toning to the body with the toning of the muscles around the chest, arms, abdomen, hips and legs. It builds and develops stamina and strength.

·                     Reduces backache: One needs to understand the movement of the body while practicing this pose, to gain maximum benefit. The alignment of this posture adds beauty to the overall body. Backaches can be healed when practicing this pose along with other poses on a regular basis. But care should be taken to understand the movement of the hips here while the torso goes in side bend. Getting the alignment wrong may cause more harm than curing the back.

·                     Flexing the spine: Flexibility of the spine is essential in practicing most of the poses. And in Extended Side Angle Pose, the spine extends at both extremes, right from the lower back to the neck. This encourages the flexing of the spine and prepares the body for greater challenging poses.

·                     Abdominal muscles soothes improving digestion: Here in this pose, the abdominal organs are stimulated, aiding in digestion. To get maximum benefit from this , make sure the practice of yogasana are done mainly empty stomach or there should be at least 4 hours gap between the meals and the practice time.

·                     Therapeutic for Sciatica: Various movements done through stretching and bending help dealing with the problems of sciatica as hips and back are also involved in those movements.

·                     Reduces Menstrual discomfort: Practicing this posture regularly can help in reducing the challenges with PMS for women of all ages. The massage at the lower abdomen, the lower back and the hips, along with proper breathing provides relief from PMS or dealing with symptoms related to menopause.

·                     Helps Athletes tone their calves and hamstrings: The stretch at the calves and the hamstrings in this pose also improves the blood circulation around these muscles and works well if practiced by athletes as part of their warming up sessions. Can be considered as a relaxing pose after running or after practicing their sport. Care should be take not to put pressure at the knees and the ankles.