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PADAHASTASANA
Position 3: Padahastasana (hand to foot pose)
Bend forward until the fingers or palms of the hands touch the floor on either side of the feet. Try to touch the knees with the forehead. Do not strain.
Keep the knees straight. Breathing: Exhale while bending forward.
Try to contract the abdomen in the final position to expel
the maximum amount of air from the lungs. Awareness: Physical - on the pelvic region.
Spiritual - on swadhisthana chakra. Mantra: Om Suryaya Namaha, salutations to he who induces
activity. Contra-indications: People with back conditions should not
bend forward fully. Bend from the hips, keeping the spine straight, until the back forms a ninety degree angle with
the legs, or bend only as far as comfortable. Benefits: This pose is useful in eliminating or preventing
stomach or abdominal ailments. It reduces excess weight in the abdominal region, improves digestion and helps to remove constipation. It improves blood circulation, makes the spine supple and tones the spinal nerves.
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