Uttihita Parsvsakonasana – Extended Standing Side Stretch

Parva  means ‘side” or “flank” and kona  means “an angle”. This standing pose strongly stretches the side of the body. If balance is difficult, practice wall stance. As in the triangle pose, the hips are aligned forward.

Technique

1. Standing in Tadasana . Jump or take a side step to separate your feet one meter. Breathe in and raise your arms to shoulder height with your palms facing down.
2. Turn your left foot 90 degrees, and your right foot about 60 degrees, to the left. Bend your left knee to 90 degrees.
3. Bend the trunk to the left, with the left hand against the ground. Stretch your right arm up at an angle such that your arm is over your right ear. Gently turn your face to look up. Breathe normally. With each exhalation, the man and arm go up in a 45 degree trajectory. Hold 20-30 seconds. Exit slowly and repeat to the right.

Weather

50 seconds – 1 minute on each side.

Benefits

• Regulates the digestive system.
• Strengthen your ankles and legs.
• Massage the internal organs like the liver.
• Increase stamina.
• Stimulates the abdominal organs.

Contraindications

Do not perform this asana if you have the following injuries or ailments;

• High or low blood pressure
• Headache
• Insomnia

Warning

The side of the abdomen is compressed. Do not hold the posture if you feel discomfort in your abdomen.