Paschimottanasana is also called as Ugrasana or Seated Forward Bend. It is one of the most difficult asanas to do.

As Ugra means Shiva. Shiva is the God of Destruction as well as the creation.

In shiv Sanhita -a Sanskrit text on yoga, it is said that Paschimottanasana should be kept secret.

This asana is the most favourite asana of lord shiva.

With the permission of Lord Shiva, Yogi Gorakshanath propagated this to the normal public for their wellbeing.

What does Paschimottanasana mean?

Paschimottanasana in english

Paschimottasana is the Sanskrit language word. It is formed by using the three words. Paschim- Meaning west, Uttana- Deep Stretch, and Asana- meaning a yoga pose. The English word is Seated Forward Bend.

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How do you practice Paschimottanasana?

Steps;

1. Sit on your yoga mat with your legs straight.
2. Both the thighs, knees, and feet should be in touch with each other.
3. The toes of your feet should be slightly tilted towards the knees.
4. Now straighten your hands in parallel with the legs.
5. With the help of the right-hand index finger& thumb, hold the thumb finger of your right leg. And with the help of the left-hand index finger and thumb, hold the thumb finger of your left leg.
6. Take a deep breath. Now start bending forward with Exhalation. ( Forward Bend should be done with exhalation only).
7. Your head should touch your knees, it should be placed in between the knees.
8. While trying to touch your head to the knees, make sure your both knees are in touch with the ground, they should not be lifted up towards the head.
9. Start doing it for about half a minute, and as you become more comfortable doing it you can hold this asana for about 2-3 minutes.
10. To come out of the asana lift the head away from your knees straighten the hands if they are bend and come back to normal position with your spine erect.
11. At the start, if you are not able to touch the toes of the knees, stretch the hands as far as possible for you.
12. You can start with first touching your calves, ankles, and then finally the toes.
13. For many of you, it becomes difficult to touch the forehead to the knees, but it is ok. Do not try to push yourself on the first day of doing this asana. By daily practising, you will get perfect at it.

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What are the benefits of Paschimottanasana?

There are many benefits of paschimottanasana,

• Regular practice of this opens the gate of Sushumna Nadi( one of the doorways to the seventh chakra), as the breath starts to move around the spinal cord.
• It helps in balancing the element of air within the body, which ultimately leads to the stillness of oneself.
• Helps to get out of Depression, Stress.
• Exercises your stomach muscles, back muscles, and chest.
• Makes your Spine strong by stretching it.
• Relieves from back pain.
• It helps In infertility, anxiety.
• Makes the whole body flexible and healthy.
• Mental stillness.
• Strengthens the body, removes weakness.
• Practicing this regularly will help one in increasing height, better digestion.
• It also helps in weight loss, obesity.
• It cures diseases.

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Note:

One should do this one of the difficult Hatha Yoga pose to take the immense benefit of it.

I know it will be difficult to maintain the pose in the first 4-5 days, but as you do it continuously, Paschimottanasana will work as a protective shield for your body from various diseases.

Comment below your favourite yoga pose. You can link us in your post if you like.

Best Yoga Mats for Yogasana –

• Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat
• Routine Fitness Yoga Mat
• Hatha Yoga Extra Thick TPE Yoga Mat

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