Side Angle Bend Pose-Parsvakonasana

Side Angle Bend Pose

  • Parsvakonasana
Dr.Rithika Patteti Standing Yoga Pose

Parsvakonasana (Side Angle Bend Pose) is a beginner level asana. This asana makes the yoga practitioner confident and brings a radiance in the personality. It's a fantastic chance to transit into a traditional form of asana while keeping awareness on balance, breathing, and side body extension. Legs, hips, and hamstrings are strengthened and stretched by side angle pose. Additionally, it opens the chest and shoulders, which is good, if your shoulders or back are stiff. 'Parsva' in Sanskrit means side, 'kona' means angle and 'asana' meaning pose. Parsvakonasana works on the Anahata Chakra, Swadhistana Chakra and Mooladhara Chakra. 

Steps to do Side Angle Bend Pose / Parsvakonasana

  • Stand in Tadasana.
  • Right leg far back. Left foot at 90 degree and right foot at a 45 degree inwards.
  • Inhale, raise the hands straight in line with the legs, parallel to the floor, palms facing down.
  • Exhale, bend the left knee. Thigh should be parallel to the ground.
  • Place the left palm beside the left foot, place the right arm over the right ear/ the head and look up.
  • Hand, torso and the extended leg should be in one line.
  • Hold the posture for as long as you can while taking slow and deep breaths.
  • Slowly rise up, drop the hand and come to Tadasana.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Tips for beginners

  • A sturdy stool or chair could be placed in front of the bent knee for additional support, if the knee feels tight. 
  • Another option for support is to place the foot close to the wall, while angling the knee in that direction.
  • Starting with keeping the arms over the thighs will allow you to modify this pose, while still maintaining proper alignment and body balance. 
  • After that, one can move slowly while putting their palms on the ground next to their feet.

Benefits

  • Strengthens and stretches the legs, ankles and knees.
  • Stretches the groin, spine, waist, chest and shoulder.
  • Stimulates abdominal organs and improves digestion.

Watch out for

  • People with severe headaches, insomnia should avoid this practice.
  • High and low blood pressure patients must avoid doing this.
  • People with severe knee injury should avoid this asana.

Variations