The back of the body is referred to as “west” due to the traditional practice of facing the rising sun when performing morning worship. Compare with purvottanasana— a stretch for the front of the body (purva = in front, before, eastward).
Paschimottanasana – West (back) Stetching Read More »
The inability to dorsiflex the ankle-deep enough to keep the heels on the floor can be due to shortness in the Achilles tendon (specifically the soleus, in this position); however, the restriction can also be in the front of the ankle. A quick fix is available by using support under the heels, but it’s important
Upavesasana – Squat—Sitting-Down Pose Read More »
This arm position is most easily done with the scapulae abducted. As the pose deepens, the scapulae move back into adduction.
Parsvottanasana Variation 1 – Intense Side Stretch With Arms in Reverse Namaskar Read More »
This forward bend is more intense in the hamstrings than uttanasana because the position of the back leg directs more of the flexion. into the hip joint, and spinal flexibility is less of an issue. Although the back leg is positioned with the leg turned out, the action of the musci.es is toward internal rotation,
Parsvottanasana – Intense Side Stretch Read More »
Weakness in the abductors and rotators will make eccentric control difficult. If this is the case, the gluteus maximus might be recruited, which will cause the pelvis to tilt posteriorly. The lower spine will then not be in neutral, and the rotation of the spine will not be around the head-tail axis.
Parivrtta Trikonasana – Revolved Triangle Pose Read More »
Pain or sensation in the medial knee of the front leg can be from the gracilis and semitendinosus, which are especially lengthened in this position and can transfer strain to the joint capsule. It is important to keep the back of the front leg active (hamstrings) to avoid knee hyperextension, which is easy to do
Trikonasana – Triangle pose Read More »
The anterior inferior part of the glenohumeral joint capsule is the most vulnerable to dislocation. The binding of the arms in internal rotation and extension puts pressure on this part of the joint capsule, especially if the scapulae are limited in their mobility. This caution applies to binding in general because it allows for more
Parivrtta Buddhja Parsvakonasana – Revolved Side Angle Pose Read More »
In the front leg, the increased hip flexion makes it more challenging to maintain abductions and external rotation in the leg, which keeps the knee from falling inward or the hip from swinging out. The increased hip flexion does make it possible for the lower side of the body to stay long and for the
Utthita Parsvakonasana – Extended Side Angle Pose Read More »
The spine is in axial extension; the work is to maintain the spinal curves in this relationship to gravity, balancing the abdominal action with the back extensors. If abdominal support is lacking, the extensors will overwork, and the spin will arch excessively. Gravity draws the unsupported side of the pelvis towards the floor. Generally, you
Virabhadrasana 3 – Warrior 3 Read More »
