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What is Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Stretch Yoga Pose)
In Sanskrit, utthita means “stretch,” parsva indicates “side” or “flank,” while
kona translates as “angle.”
In this asana, both sides of your body are stretched intensely, from the toes of one foot to the fingertips of the opposite hand.
Using the recommended props guards against this, and gives greater freedom for adjustments in the pose, without strain or injury.
Benefits of Utthita Parsvakonasana
- Enhances lung capacity
- Tones the muscles of the heart
- Relieves sciatic and arthritic pain
- Improves digestion by relieving gastritis, acidity, and flatulence and helps the elimination of waste
- Reduces fat on the waist and hips
- Corrects misalignment of the shoulders and shoulder blades
- Relieves backaches and neck sprains
- Makes the hip joint and spinal column supple
- Strengthens the legs and knees, particularly the hamstring muscles
- Stretches and tones the abdominal and pelvic organs
- Helps relieve menstrual disorders
Contraindications of Extended Side Stretch Pose
- If you have high blood pressure, avoid this asana.
- If you have cervical spondylosis, do not turn your neck or look up.
- Stress-related headaches
- Migraines
- osteoarthritis of the knees
- rheumatic fever
- varicose veins
- low blood pressure
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- diarrhea
- Psoriasis
- insomnia
- depression
- bulimia
- avoid the pose during menstruation, premenstrual stress, or leukorrhea.
- Do practice if you have heavy or irregular periods during the rest of the month, avoiding the days of menstruation.
- Those with hypertension should look at the floor.
