Yoga is the timeless practice that contains the physical exercise with holistic healing. In this blog we will explain the Standing Big Toe Hold Pose with the benefits of this pose. Standing Big Toe Hold Pose also known as the Utthita Hastapadangusthasana. Let us know about this intermediate level standing balancing pose
What is the Standing Big Toe Hold Pose?
Utthita Hastapadangusthasana is the intermediate level standing balancing pose. Standing Big Toe Hold Pose in which your raise one leg by holding your big toe with your hand. This is the powerful pose that enhance your flexibility and strength. In this pose one leg is grounded and you balance your body weight on one leg. This improves your balance and flexibility in the hips, spine and hamstrings. It is the great pose for recovery for injured hamstring. This pose is great to balancing memory and concentration.
Utthita Hastapadangusthasana, the name of this asana come from the sanskrit phrase where, Utthita means, “stretched”, Hasta means, “hand”, Pada means, “foot”, Angustha means, “big toe” and Asana means, “posture”. in simple words Standing on one leg while stretching the other leg by holding the big toe with hand.
How to Perform Utthita Hastapadangusthasana?
It is very essential to perform any yoga asana correctly to attain the advantages of the practice poses.
Here are the steps of guidance of the Standing Big Toe Hold Pose.
Step 1. Begin with the standing on the floor in Tadasana.
step 2. Lengthening the crown of the head, chin is parallel and your shoulders is relaxed.
Step 3. Start with your right leg first. Transfer the body weight on the left leg.
Step 4. Slowly lifting your right leg by bending your knees.
Step 5. Bringing your knees closer to the chest.
Step 6. Hold the big toe with the first two fingers and the thumb of the right hand.
Step 7. Gaze at one point in front and keeping the left leg straight and strong.
Step 8. With the core engaged, flex your right foot by grab the big toe.
Step 9. Make sure that your back with your uplifted arm remains nice and straight. So the foot is above the level of the hip.
Step 10. The right hand and leg are straight and active, with the left leg strongly grounded on the mat.
Step 11. Hold this pose for few breath and maintain the balance.
Step 12. Release the posture by slowly lowering your right.
Step 13. Relax for a while and repeat with the opposite leg also.
We are discussed the easy way to perform this Standing Big toe Hold Pose correctly. Now, we are going to explore the benefits of performing this pose.
Benefits of Standing Big Toe Hold Pose (Utthita Hastapadangusthasana)
Standing Big Toe Hold Pose is the standing balancing pose that enhance your flexibility and strength. This pose offers a huge mental and physical benefits.
Here are the benefits of this Pose:
- Strengthens the core: This pose targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, helping to build strength in the lower back. The core muscles are also engaged, helping tone and shape the legs.
- Improves Balance: Standing Big Toe Hold Pose is the standing in one leg that helps to build the strength and give a stretch the core muscles. It lengthens the lower and upper back. It helps to enhance the balance and stability.
- Increases Flexibility: The pose stretches and lengthens the muscles in the hips, hamstrings, and lower back. Utthita Hastapadangusthasana strengthening and lengthening the back muscles. This pose is good for increasing the flexibility and mobility of the entire body.
- Increase Circulation: By lifting the one leg it helps to enhance the flow pf blood towards lower back, legs and feet. Utthita Hastapadangusthasana increases the circulation of blood in the legs and reduce the leg pain and tiredness.
- Enhances Mental Focus and Concentration: This pose helps to improve the focus and attention. Standing Big Toe Hold Pose helps to develop the sense of achievement, focus and calm the mind.
- Supports Joint Health: By bending stretching the one leg, in this asana helps to stimulates the flexibility of the joint. Utthita Hastapadangusthasana also enhances the keeping these joints flexible and strong.
- Calms the Mind: It Stretching the lower back and legs, that encourages the relaxation and calms the mind. This Pose will help to calm the nervous system and reduce the tension and stress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Utthita Hastapadangusthasana (Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose) involves standing on one leg, extending the opposite leg forward while holding the big toe with the hand, and keeping the body aligned and balanced. Practicing this pose regularly can increase both physical strength and mental focus. It will also fostering a deeper connection between body and mind. So, there are huge benefits of this pose.
