Day 26: Stretching Pose

Paschimottanasana, Stretching Pose

This posture is strategically at the end so that you are nice and warm to stretch your entire body! This posture looks like hands to feet pose turned on its side, but the mechanics of it are more like standing separate leg stretching (first your legs stretch, then your hips, then your whole spine). Before you bend your elbows and pull your toes, your legs need to be straight with thighs contracted. Once you’re able to lock your knees, flex your feet as much as possible (from the ankle joint) so that all 10 toes turn back towards your face. With your knees locked and your feet flexed, your heels really will lift off the floor! Then only, bend your elbows down towards the floor. Remember, you are trying to keep your spine straight, so look forward as you stretch and pull your lower belly in and up to stretch deeper in your hips and lower back.

Benefits of Stretching Pose Include:

• Stretches the entire spine, shoulders, hamstrings.

• Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus.

• Improves digestion.

• Helps to relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort.

• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression.