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Paschimottanasana
Pashimottanasana (PASH-ee-moh-tan-AHS-anna[needs IPA]; Sanskrit: पश्चिमोत्तानासन; IAST: paścimottānāsana), Seated Forward Bend, or Intense Dorsal Stretch is an asana.
Together with Padmasana (lotus), Siddhasana (half-lotus) and Vajrasana (lightning-bolt pose), this asana is an accomplished asana according to the Shiva Samhita. It was advocated by 11th century yogi Gorakshanath .
It is also practiced in Acroyoga with Floating Paschimottanasana.
Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words paschima (पश्चिम, paścima) meaning "west" or "back" or "back of body", and uttana (उत्तान, uttāna) meaning "intense stretch" or "straight" or "extended", and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".
Description
This asana is practiced in four stages:
- In the first stage, the yogi stretches their legs straight and swings the upper part of their body back and forth. With each swing, the yogi tries to reach further with their hands, touching their knees, calves, ankles, and finally their toes.
- In the second stage, the yogi bends forward to touch their knees with their hands.
- From the second stage above, the yogi reaches further to touch their toes with their hands.
- From the third stage, the yogi tries to place their elbows at the side of their knees, and touch their knees with either their nose or their forehead.
People who have difficulty bending their backs should exercise caution when performing this asana.
