Yoga - SUPTA PADANGUSTHASANA
by B.K.S. Iyengar
'Supta' means lying down, 'pada' is the foot while 'angustha' stands for the big toe. We use our legs throughout our waking state and so they form the foundation for movement. It is imperative that they be trained to be firm and steady. Without strong legs and feet, the brain cannot be held in correct alignment with the spine. Hence the importance of standing poses in yoga. The outer legs are more attentive in standing poses. Supta padangusthasana can be called a 'supine standing pose' where the inner legs are activated. This creates a balance for the entire body. Standing postures can be replaced by this asana on days when it is too hot or when one is feeling exhausted.
First Stage
• flat on the back. Stretch both legs while keeping the knees tight.
• Inhale,
then bend the right leg at the knee and raise the right arm to hold the right
big toe between the thumb and the fore and middle fingers.
• While gripping the right big toe, make the right leg perpendicular
to the floor by extending the calf muscles at the back of the leg towards the
heel. The right big toe should be in line with your nose.
• To straighten the right leg completely, first move the shinbone towards
the calf muscles, thighbone towards the hamstring muscles and then straighten
the knee.
• The left leg on the floor should be straight. The knee should be firm
and rested on the floor. The head and the trunk must be in a line.Stay in this position for 20-30 seconds while breathing normally.
Second
Stage
Continue from the first stage. Exhale and lower the right leg out
to the right side. As the right leg goes down to the right side, the left buttock
should not be lifted up. Press the left thigh down on the floor along with the
left buttock. The right leg should move along the right shoulder without allowing
the left pelvis to lift away from the floor. Repeat similarly on the other side.
Some
Useful Tips
• The foot of the leg on the floor may tend to drop down
loosely. To maintain the stiffness of this leg, the left one in the above case,
one can use the support of a wall. You must place the whole bottom of the left
foot against the wall and the hinges of the ankle on the floor.
•
The buttocks should always be moving away from the lower back so that there is
no compression of this region.
• After lying down on the floor in preparation for the asana, you can bend
the knees and insert your palms under the buttocks and move the buttocks away
from the waist towards the legs. Then, without allowing them to be lifted up,
you can extend and straighten both legs.
•
If you are unable to reach the big toe, you can use a belt to loop it in. Hold
the belt lower down with both your hands (the elbows may be bent) and descend
the shoulders towards the floor. Roll the upper arms from inside out so the sides
of the chest are lifted.
•
Avoid stretching the leg to the side too much if you lose alertness and firmness
in any of the legs. The back of the trunk, the buttock and the entire leg should
remain on the floor.
Effects
• The legs will develop properly by the practice of this
asana.
• The nerves in the legs and hips are rejuvenated and the
blood begins to circulate more efficiently.
• Persons suffering from
sciatica and paralysis of the legs will derive great benefit from this asana.
• It removes stiffness in the hip joints and prevents hernia.
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