Parshvasana (Side Stretch Pose) –
Table of Contents
- Parshvasana Pose
- Eka Hasta Parshvasana Pose
- Benefits of Parshvasana Pose
- Precautions to Take to Perform Parshvasana
Parshvasana Pose
Parshvasana (Side Stretch Pose)
(pahrsh-VAH-suh-nuh)
Modification: fingers interlocked, palms pressed together
Pose Type: standing, side bend
Drishti Point: Nasagrai or Nasagre (nose), Urdhva or Antara Drishti (up to the sky)
View this post on Instagram
Eka Hasta Parshvasana Pose
Eka Hasta Parshvasana
(EY-kuh HUH-stuh pahrsh-VAH-suh-nuh)
Modification: one arm up over the head, other hand sliding down the leg
Pose Type: standing, side bend
Drishti Point: Urdhva or Antara Drishti (up to the sky)
View this post on Instagram
Benefits of Parshvasana Pose
Here are some of the benefits you’ll derive once you start practising Parshvasana.
Improves Your Posture
If you have the tendency to hunch or slouch, then practising Parshvasana can be of help. When you do this asana and do it regularly, you will notice that the back pain you felt will go away. You will learn to stand tall naturally and your posture will improve.
May Help Increases Height
If you start practising this pose early on and stick to it, you can end up gaining a few extra inches. Yes, this asana helps increase height. If it’s too late for you now, you can ask your children to start practising Parshvasana.
Boosts Mental Awareness
Yoga is not just about movement but meditation too. This pose helps you connect to your deeper consciousness and expands your mental awareness. You will feel more alert, calm, and composed.
Improves Breathing
Clogged up lungs or being unable to breathe properly is one of the modern-day issues we face. Parshvasana opens up your lungs and lets you breathe deeply. This ends up clearing your lungs too.
Promotes Weight Loss
If you’ve been trying to lose weight but haven’t succeeded yet, try Parshvasana. Your metabolism will improve and you will burn calories faster.
Boost Energy Levels
Another benefit of the Parshvasana pose is that it helps boost energy levels. This is because it rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul.
Improves Your Mood
If you’ve had a bad day, then practise Parshvasana. It can help beat depression and strengthen the nervous system. Your memory will improve and you’ll be able to focus on matters that need attention.
Provides Relief From Sciatica
If you’ve got sciatica, Parshvasana will help provide relief from the pain. And it also helps prevent it from happening in the future.
Precautions to Take to Perform Parshvasana
Even though you are aware of the Parshvasana steps and benefits, here are some precautions that you should take
- Parshvasana is a fairly safe position for almost all people to assume unless they are feeling light-headed or are dizzy.
- Pregnant women may find the need to adopt a wider stance while practising Parshvasana in order to feel stable.
- In case you plan to perform other asanas after you assume the Parshvasana pose, it is recommended that you either do so on an empty stomach or begin practising after at least 4 hours have passed since your last meal.
- You should avoid practising Parshvasana if you are suffering from low blood pressure, insomnia or have a headache or migraine.
- One of the contraindications of Parshvasana is that holding the position for too long might lead to dizziness for some individuals.