Yoga offers a wide range of health benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities. There is detailed knowledge about the Seated Forward Bend Pose (Pashchimottanasana) in this section. Yoga practitioners has not aware about the various poses of the yoga. So, here we come with a solution. In our blog, we will discuss about various poses with its safe way to practice. . We will discuss about what is Seated Forward Bend Pose and benefits of this pose.
What is the Seated Forward Bend Pose (Pashchimottanasana)
Seated Forward Bend Pose is also known as Pashchimottanasana. It is considered one of the best asana among all the asana in Hatha Yoga. This pose helps to stimulates the digestive fire in the stomach and also helps to achieving the flat stomach. This asana helps to bring the sense of achievements and gives self confidence. By performing this asana it is that great asana that helps to let go the useless craving and thought come in the mind.
The name of this asana come from the sanskrit phrase where, Pashchim means, “west” , it symbolize the back of the entire body from the head to heels. The front part of the body face to toes symbolize as East and the head is North and soles is South.
How to Perform Pashchimottanasana?
Seated Forward Bend Pose (Pashchimottanasana) is the seated forward bend pose that helps to enhance the flexibility in the spine and give relaxation to the whole body. It stretches the whole body by forward bend.
Here is the step by step instruction of how to perform this asana:
- Sit down on the floor with legs stretched out in front of you with feet together.
- Keeping the spine erect and toes flexed in towards you.
- Inhale and raise both the arms together above your head and stretched up.
- Exhale and slowly bend forward from the hips. As your chin is moving towards the toes.
- Hold the right wrist in front of the feet and place your hands on your legs.
- Do not force yourself, place your hand wherever they reach.
- Place your head to the knees or shins.
- Long exhalation, stretch the spine forward reaching toward the legs with your head.
- Stretch the arms out in front of you and breath softly.
- Now, gently lowering your arms and come up with the sitting position.
- Keep softly breathing and relax.
Benefits Seated Forward Bend Pose (Pashchimottanasana)?
There are huge benefits of this asana. This pose gives a positive impact on body and mind also.
Let’s us come to know about the benefits of Seated Forward Bend Pose:
- Stretches the Spine and Hamstrings: This pose deeply stretches the entire back and the lower back up to the neck. It also stretches the hamstrings and calves. It will be improving flexibility and lengthening the muscles.
- Improves Posture: By stretching the spine and releasing tension in the back and shoulders. It will help to improve posture, who have the sedentary lifestyle
- Calms the Nervous System: The forward bend promotes relaxation by calming the mind and reducing stress levels. It also relaxes nervous system and helping to reduce anxiety. It will promote mental clarity.
- Stimulates the Abdominal Organs: The forward bending action helps stimulate the digestive organs, including the intestines. It improves the digestion and relieve constipation. It may also support the health of the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
- Improves Flexibility: Regular practice of this pose, increases flexibility in the hamstrings, lower back, and hips. This enhanced flexibility can reduce the risk of injury and improve overall mobility.
- Stimulates the Root and Solar Plexus Chakras: The pose can have a balancing effect on the Root Chakra and Manipura Chakra enhancing feelings of grounding, stability, and personal power.
- Aids in Stress Relief: By promoting deep breathing and with forward bending helps activate the nervous system. It will help to reduce the tension and anxiety and gives the feeling of calmness.
- Boosts Mental Clarity and Focus: Practicing this pose with mindful breathing can help clear the mind, improve concentration, and boost overall mental clarity.
- Relieves Menstrual Discomfort: The pose can provide relief from menstrual cramps by relaxing the pelvic muscles.
