9 years ago
Yoga and You
How to: Padangusthasana and Padahastasana
9 years ago | Yoga and You
DESCRIPTION
The Big Toe Pose or the Padangusthasana is one of the easier poses in yoga. It is one of the few poses that will help you to stretch all your muscles from head to toe. Padahastasana, or the standing forward bend is an inverted posture which provides many of the same benefits of the seated forward bend. Today in 'Yoga and You' yoga expert Vinitha shows us how to do Padangusthasana and Padahastasana.
PADANGUSTHASANA
Padangusthasana or the Big Toe Pose is one of the easiest yoga asanas. If you are a beginner, this will be one of the first few yoga asanas you will be introduced to. It is a combination of the words Pada (foot), Angustha (Big toe) and Asana (Pose).
PADAHASTASANA
Padahastasana or the Hand Under Foot pose is a ‘forward bend asana’. The name is a combination of the words pada (foot), hasta (hand), and asana (posture).
Steps
Stand straight on the mat and place your hands on your hips.
Bending from your hips, lower yourself all the way down.
Hold on to your big toes with both your hands.
Raise up slightly, stretching your spine as well as your arms and legs completely while holding on to your big toe.
Now, slowly pull yourself downwards and tuck your head against your knees.
Hold this posture (Padangusthasana) for a few deep breaths.
Again, raise up slightly, stretching your spine as well as your arms and legs completely while holding on to your big toe.
Let go of your toes and place your palms under your feet.
Again, bend downwards and tuck your head against your knees.
Hold this posture (Padahastasana) for a few deep breaths.
Slowly, raise up until your upper body is parallel to the ground.
Let go of your toes and place your hands on your hips.
Lift up from the hips and stand straight.
Coming back to the initial position, drop your hands to your sides.
Relax.
Why to:
It calms the brain and relieves anxiety, stress, and mild depression.
The liver and kidneys are activated.
The calves and hamstrings get a good stretch.
The thighs become strong.
It is an immense workout for the spinal cord.
The digestive system and the reproductive system are stimulated.
Digestion is improved.
Menopause and menstrual disorders are reduced.
Headaches and insomnia are relieved.
It also has a few beautifying skills like the strengthening and lengthening of hair as well as brightening of skin.
Improves posture and balance.
Improves the ability to sustain forward bending poses for a longer period of time.
Caution:
This is a basic pose, and although anyone can do it, make sure you practice it under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. Also, you must avoid this pose if you have neck or lower back injuries.
Best time:
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. It is best to practice yoga first thing in the morning. But in the event you cannot work out in the morning, it is alright to practice it in the evening.
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PADANGUSTHASANA
Padangusthasana or the Big Toe Pose is one of the easiest yoga asanas. If you are a beginner, this will be one of the first few yoga asanas you will be introduced to. It is a combination of the words Pada (foot), Angustha (Big toe) and Asana (Pose).
PADAHASTASANA
Padahastasana or the Hand Under Foot pose is a ‘forward bend asana’. The name is a combination of the words pada (foot), hasta (hand), and asana (posture).
Steps
Stand straight on the mat and place your hands on your hips.
Bending from your hips, lower yourself all the way down.
Hold on to your big toes with both your hands.
Raise up slightly, stretching your spine as well as your arms and legs completely while holding on to your big toe.
Now, slowly pull yourself downwards and tuck your head against your knees.
Hold this posture (Padangusthasana) for a few deep breaths.
Again, raise up slightly, stretching your spine as well as your arms and legs completely while holding on to your big toe.
Let go of your toes and place your palms under your feet.
Again, bend downwards and tuck your head against your knees.
Hold this posture (Padahastasana) for a few deep breaths.
Slowly, raise up until your upper body is parallel to the ground.
Let go of your toes and place your hands on your hips.
Lift up from the hips and stand straight.
Coming back to the initial position, drop your hands to your sides.
Relax.
Why to:
It calms the brain and relieves anxiety, stress, and mild depression.
The liver and kidneys are activated.
The calves and hamstrings get a good stretch.
The thighs become strong.
It is an immense workout for the spinal cord.
The digestive system and the reproductive system are stimulated.
Digestion is improved.
Menopause and menstrual disorders are reduced.
Headaches and insomnia are relieved.
It also has a few beautifying skills like the strengthening and lengthening of hair as well as brightening of skin.
Improves posture and balance.
Improves the ability to sustain forward bending poses for a longer period of time.
Caution:
This is a basic pose, and although anyone can do it, make sure you practice it under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. Also, you must avoid this pose if you have neck or lower back injuries.
Best time:
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. It is best to practice yoga first thing in the morning. But in the event you cannot work out in the morning, it is alright to practice it in the evening.
Watch more: http://21frames.in/yogaandyou
Follow us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/VentunoYoga
Subscribe us on YouTube: http://youtube.com/user/VentunoYoga
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/ventunoyoga
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/VentunoYoga
A Ventuno Production http://www.ventunotech.com