Urdhwahastottansana opens up the chest, improves blood circulation around the thoracic area and the heart and is beneficial for respiratory disorders, hypertension and heart problems
Meaning
Urdhwa means upward, hasta is hands, uttana is stretching and asana is posture.
Benefits of Urdhwahastottansana
1. This asana stretches both sides of the body, so it massages, loosens and exercises the sides of the ribcage and the waist
2. Opens up the chest
3. Improves blood circulation around the thoracic area and the heart
4. Beneficial for respiratory disorders, hypertension and heart problems
Contraindications
Usually everyone can do this asana except those who have vertigo.
The Posture
1. Stand erect with legs placed hip-wide apart.
2. Raise both hands up and interlock the fingers with palms turned upwards.
3. Inhale and stretch the hands up as much as possible. As you exhale, bend from the waist to the right side, without leaning forward or backward.
4. Keep hands stretched straight and align the posture.
5. Hold the posture for 5-7 breaths. Breathe normally then slowly come back to the upright position. Repeat the procedure on the left.
6. Release the hands. This completes one full round.
Repeat the complete cycle three times.
This cycle can also be performed dynamically without holding the posture. In that case, the dynamic cycle could be repeated ten times.
Step1
Step2
Step3
Contemplation
Take the following point into consideration while practising this asana:
1. Awareness on balancing and stretching of the sides without leaning backward, forward or twisting.
Contributed by Divyayog (www.divyayog.in)
Yoga practice is a physical activity. Please consult your doctor before you take it up. You are solely responsible for your health while performing the position.
