Method
Step 1: Sit in Vajrasana – Sit on the floor with your legs spread out in front. Fold the right leg and bring the right heel underneath the right hip. Sitting on the right heel and placing your right palm firmly on the floor by the side of your right hip, tilt your body to the right; fold the left leg and bring the left heel underneath the left hip. So basically you are sitting on the sole of your feet.
Step 2: Get your hips off the heels; you are standing on your knees; you can keep your knees together or a little apart as per your comfort to get better balance; place both the palms at the lower back in a way that fingers are pointing down.
Step 3: Press your palms firmly against your back, inhale and while inhaling, lengthen your spine and start stretching your body beginning from your thighs, hips (contracted), abdomen (tucked in), ribs (raised up), upper back (stretched), neck (lengthened), chin (facing the ceiling) and head (dropped at the back). You are looking at your forehead; thighs are perpendicular to the floor; (thighs tend to move back, gently push it forward); hold this posture for half a minute or as per your comfort with normal breathing; breathing may be tiresome but do not hold your breath; gradually release the posture in reverse order.
Note: This asana should be followed by Sashankasana / Child Pose. This is a supplementary posture to Ardha Ushtrasana
Benefits
- Gives a fine backward bend to the spine and the lumbar region; make thigh muscles and the abdominal muscles elastic; removes congestion in the pelvic region; improves respiration
Contraindication
- Avoid this posture in case of severe knee pain; person with stiff spine should do it carefully