What is Gate Pose (Parighasana) and its Benefits?

Yoga is best and beneficial for all age group people. So, we will explore about the famous kneeling pose that is Gate Pose also known as the Parighasana. There are wide variety of poses from foundational to more advanced pose. A yoga poses blog highlights that how safely you will perform each pose. So, we will explore about the Gate Pose (Parighasana). Beginner have no knowledge about the what is Gate Pose. This pose improves the flexibility of the back and spine. Let us come to know about this pose in this blog.

What is the Gate Pose (Parighasana)

Gate Pose also known as the Parighasana. It is the kneeling yoga pose and hatha yoga that focus to stretch the upper body. This is the beginner level pose. Gate Pose is the side bending posture that enhance the spinal flexibility. This pose helps to opening the side body. In Gate Pose, almost all the muscles are either lengthened or engaged like the gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps, claves, core muscles, hip flexors, pelvic floor muscles, and shoulders.

Parighasana, the name of this asana come from the sanskrit phrase, where Parigha means, “door or gate” and Asana means, “posture”. While performing this asana the arms position is resembles like a lock or latch. Despites its simplicity, it offers huge mental, physical and spiritual benefits to the practitioner.

How to Perform Parighasana?

This is beginner level pose but some it challenging for some practitioner. Practicing Gate Pose can be a great way to counteract a long day of sitting or to prepare your body for other activities.

Here is step by step guidance of how to perform Gate Pose:

1. Kneel down on the floor with ankles together.
2. Bring your shins flat against the ground.
3. Now, straighten your right leg to your right side in line with your left knee and torso.
4. Stiffen your right knee and stretch out your right foot.
5. Turning slightly to left. Exhale and move your trunk down towards the extended leg.
6. Hold your right toe with your index and middle finger of your right hand.
7. Now, gently raise your left arms towards the sky with straighten the elbow.
8. Breathing gently and hold this pose as long as per your comfort level.
9. Straighten your trunk and bend your right knee to resume a kneeling pose.
10. Repeat the steps to perform on the other side also.

What is the Benefits of Gate Pose (Parighasana)?

The opening up of the body in parighasana provides a number of benefits, both physical and mental. This asana stretches the sides, spine and hamstrings. It is also known to open the shoulders and stimulate a number of the body’s abdominal organs.

Here are some of the benefits of Gate Pose:

• Stretches the sides: It stretches the sides of your body by stretching legs and arms in this position. This will enhance the mobility of the legs and side body.  On one extended leg it stretches the inner thighs, calves and hamstring also. It will strengthening and lengthening the side body.
• Strengthens the legs: By maintaining the position on one extended leg. It will stretch the leg muscles and improve the flexibility of legs. This pose is great helps to toning and strengthening the legs.
• Improves posture: By stretching the spinal muscles and sides of the back and chest. It will improves the overall posture of the body.
• Relieves tension: While performing this asana it helps to stretch the legs, arms, core muscles and the spine. It will  help to relieve the tightness and tension of the muscles. It will gives you the relax in your mind and body.
• Enhances balance: Holding this pose on one extended leg help to improves the balance and stability of the body. This asana will help to maintain the balance and energy in your body.
• Stimulates the core: The pose also engages your core muscles, helping to tone and strengthen your abdomen. The lateral bend helps stimulate the internal organs with the stretching and contracting of the deeper muscles. On the left side reside the stomach, small intestine, and pancreas, and on the right reside the gallbladder, liver, and large intestine.
• Boosts flexibility: Regular practice helps increase flexibility in your hips, hamstrings, and spine.