Paschimottanasana, the seated forward bend, is the fifth of the 12 basic postures of hatha yoga. There are many benefits of this posture, the main and most obvious one is to provide a complete stretch of the entire backside of the body from the back of the head through the heels. Immediately following this is the counterstretch, the inclined plane.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF PASCHIMOTHANASANA YOGA POSE
Stretches the hamstrings on the back of the legs
Stretches and lengthens the entire spine
Massages the internal organs, especially the digestive organs
Relieves digestive problems such as constipation
Relieves problems with sciatica
Invigorates the nervous system
SITTING FORWARD BEND – PASCHIMOTHANASANA
HOW TO PERFORM PASCHIMOTHANASANA YOGA POSE
Definition: Stretching your spine forward
The Forward Bend looks, and is, simple – provided you relax into the position, rather than forcing yourself into it. The pose is one of the most powerful and important Asanas, helping to ease the spinal compression caused by standig upright. Its practice contributes greatly toward keeping your back supple, your joints mobile, your nervous system invigorated, and your internal organs toned.
Objective: To stretch the back of your body
STARTING PASCHIMOTHANASANA YOGA POSE
Inhale, bringing both arms up by your ears. Stretch your spine up. Lean forward from your hips, and try to catch hold of your toes. Keep your spine and legs straight. Exhale into the pose; feel your body stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, then inhale and stretch upward again. Repeat twice. Clasp Position: If you are not able to reach your toes, clasp your ankles, shins, or knees, to hold the position comfortably.
INCLINED PLANE IN PASCHIMOTHANASANA YOGA POSE
The Inclined Plane is the counterpose to the Forward Bend. It complements the forward stretch that your body is given in the previous pose, and increase the strength and flexibility of your arm. In this Asana your hips are pushed upward, and your body is held straight and balanced on your hands and feet.
From the starting position, sitting with the hands flat on the floor behind the hips, with the fingers pointing back, let your head drop back. Next, inhale as you raise your hips. Hold the pose for about 10 seconds. Lower your body, then relax your hands by shaking your wrists.
The researchers found that yoga outperformed aerobic and other forms of exercise at improving balance, flexibility, strength, pain levels among seniors, menopausal symptoms, daily energy level, and social and occupation functioning, among other health parameters.
Learn about all the Yoga Asanas (Poses) from basic poses, advanced poses, seated and standing poses, twists and bandha with Contraindications and Benefits.
If you are serious about your health and do not want to pay heavy medical bills to doctors then do practice these Yoga asanas (postures) and stay healthy.
