Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Paschimottanasana, Seated Forward Bend, or Intense Dorsal Stretch is an asana. Meaning of  Paschima is West/Back, Uttana – Intense Stretch, Asana – Pose. Seated forward bend pose is a classic Hatha Yoga pose that has many benefits. The Paschimottanasana covers a whole lot of systems in the body and is particularly useful for diabetes and high blood pressure. This asana also gives the entire body a good stretch. Interestingly, the front part of the body is called the East, and the back is usually called the West. This asana concentrates on the back of the body, and, therefore, it is named as such. In English, this asana is called the Seated Forward Bend or the Intense Dorsal Stretch.

How to do Paschimottanasana

Sit on the floor with both the legs straight in front of you. Both ankles and toes will be side by side. Then while exhaling bend down and hold both toes of the feet with both the hands  and  place the forehead on the knees. Both the elbows will touch the ground. Stay in pause for 1-3 minutes.

Things to Remind Before You Do The Asana

You must make sure to keep your stomach and bowels empty before you practice this asana. Have your meals at least four to six hours before you do the asana so that your food gets digested and there is enough energy for you to expend during the practice.

• continuous practice of this asana make spinal cord flexible·
• Muscles of the waist and calves get toned up which makes them flexible·
•  Helps in relieving the symptoms of menopause and menstrual problems· It cures skin diseases and foul smell in the body·
• Paschimottanasana is effective in reducing obesity  It improves the functioning    of internal organ· Stimulates liver, kidney, ovary and uterus. Itt also help to detoxify liver.·
• kills worm and purifies blood .
• Face glows and there is stimulation of energy
• Those who have a heavy lower back, must practice it regularly. Waist becomes thin and tonned.
•  Helps relieve stress and depression
• It Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings and gives relief in back pain.
• Helps in relieving headache , anxiety and reduces fatigue
• Helpful in high blood pressure, insomnia, and sinusitis
• Blood circulation improves and makes heart healthy and increases appetite.

Cautions

It is for those who are suffering from Backache, Asthama, Diarrhea, Back injury (only perform under the supervision) and ache in the neck.

Tips For Beginner