How to do Paschimottasana

In today's world where we spend most of our daily hours in the workplace, we tend to spend a lot of time seated in one place, usually hunched over our computers. At home we spend long hours watching TV or eating at odd hours in a hurry. We are stressed or tense while eating and hardly have time to chew our food. The problem is compounded by large intake of spicy and oily food. We lead sedentary lives and seldom devote time to exercise or physical activity. Our unnatural lifestyle and erratic eating habits give rise to problems such as obesity, hypertension, constipation, indigestion, piles and many other disorders.

Making Yoga and Ayurveda an integral part of your life can help in the prevention and cure of many disorders. Regular practice of Paschimottasana is very beneficial in preventing and controlling the above mentioned diseases.

Directions :

1. Sit down in a clean and comfortable area and spread the mat on the floor.
2. In a sitting position take a deep breath, stretch both the legs together in front.
3. Now loosen your back muscles and bend the body forward as far as possible while exhaling, and try to touch your toes.
4. Maintain this pose for 5-10 seconds. As you practice daily you will be able to bend even more. You should be able to hold the big toes and place the forehead on the knees.
5. Raise your head and come back to your original position while taking a deep breath. Do this asana for 3-5 minutes daily.

Benefits :

• It increase jatharagni (digestive fire) and improves the digestive system.
• Beneficial in constipation, gastric disorders and indigestion.
• Is useful in providing relief from sciatica.
• Helps to control obesity.
• Beneficial for diabetic and piles patients.
• It is useful in bringing low blood pressure to normal.

Precautions :

• Always exhale completely when you bend forward during the asana.
• People with high blood pressure and stomach ulcers should not practice this asana.
• If you have waist or back pain, practice this under expert supervision.
• Always consult a Yoga expert before undertaking any Yogic exercises.