In one of our earlier posts, we have read about Big Toe Pose and its benefits. In Big Toe Pose, we bend forward to hold our big toes. In Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose, we will be holding our big toe with the leg lifted off the floor. In Sanskrit, 'Uthitha' means 'extended', 'hasta' means 'hand', 'pada' means 'foot' and 'angustha' means big toe. Since we hold the big toe and extend the leg, the pose is called Uthitha Hasta Padangusthasana in Sanskrit and Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose in English.
Muladhara and svadhittana chakras are stimulated thereby boosting their functions in Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose. Muladhara promotes stability and svadhittana develops creativity. As mentioned in Big Toe Pose, pressing of big toe stimulates liver and spleen channels thereby promoting their functions.
To check the benefits of Big Toe Pose, visit this page.
Other Benefits of Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose
- Regular practice of the pose helps to strengthen the nervous system.
- Strengthens the spine
- Tones the back muscles and makes them stronger
- Stretches the legs and strengthens leg muscles
- Stretches and strengthens the hips
- Cures digestive disorders
- Energizes the whole body
- Promotes body, mind balance
- Improves focus
- Calms the mind
Instructions
- Assume Mountain Pose.
- Shift the weight of the body to your left leg and slowly bend your right leg and draw the right knee up towards your chest.
- Slide the right hand on the inner side of the bent right leg and curl the big toe with your index and middle fingers and seal with the thumb.
- Stand tall and stretch your right leg either forward or towards the right side keeping the right knee straight.
- Let your left hand be by the side; alternately, you can place your left hand on your left hip.
- Hold the pose for 20 seconds. Release the right leg to the floor and repeat the same with left leg.
Note
Those with severe hip or joint problems should refrain from practicing the pose.
In case of difficulty in balancing on one leg, you can stand with your back against the wall and perform the pose.
Yoga Pose for Day 63 - Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
நின்று செய்யும் ஆசனங்களில் விருஷாசனம் போன்றே ஒற்றைக் காலில் நின்று செய்யப்படுவது கருடாசனம். வடமொழியில் ‘கருட’ என்றால் ‘கருடன்’ அல்லது ‘கழுகு’ என்று பொருள். கருடாசனம் ஆங்கிலத்தில் Eagle Pose என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது. விருஷாசனம்
Yoga for Day 61 - Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tree Pose is called Vrksasana in Sanskrit. The term 'vrksa' means 'tree'. Performing the pose promotes balance of body and mind and hence is rightly called Tree Pose.
Yoga Pose for Day 60 - Intense Side Stretch Pose / Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana)
In Sanskrit, 'parsva' means 'side', 'ut' means 'powerful and 'than' means 'stretching'. Since this pose involves intense stretching towards the sides it is named thus. Intense Side Stretch Pose is called Parsvottanasana in Sanskrit.
