Benefits:
- Gentle stretch for the lower spine
- Loosens the hamstrings and warms up the quadriceps
- Compresses the stomach and internal organs
- Builds strength in the diaphragm while providing a massage for the abdominal organs
- Cures menstrual cramps
Contra-indications:
- Avoid if you have high blood pressure. [1] Related conditions that are a problem when blood pressure is increased include diabetes and glaucoma. If you have these conditions you may wish to avoid this pose.
- If you have low blood pressure, to come out of the pose, roll up to standing slowly or go into squat to avoid dizziness.
- If you have a bad back, bend your knees a lot! You can also rest your elbows on the thighs.
- If you have any lower back disorders which do not allow flexion of the spine, then do not allow the spine to round: keep the back as straight as you can and bend the knees a lot.
Getting Into the Pose:
- Stand up, with the feet hip-width apart. Bend your knees and fold forward. Clasp the elbows with the opposite hands.
Alternatives & Options:
- Bend knees more, which will strengthen the quadriceps and release the back.
- Rest elbows against a table, chair, or on the thighs if the back feels strained.
- Caterpillar is an easy alternative; sit down with legs straight.
- If you do this pose more than once, try it with legs bent the first time and straight the second time.
- If you’re really flexible, try holding the wrists behind the legs but still with some rounding to the back.
Coming Out of the Pose:
- Bend your knees a bit more and release your hands to the floor. Slowly roll up. This is often called Rag Doll.
- You can place your hands onto your shins and come up halfway, then fold back down. Do this a couple of times, and when you feel ready, come all the way up with a straight back.
Counter poses:
- Squat or any gentle backbend [2]
Meridians & Organs Affected:
- Due to the intense stretch along the back of the legs and spine, the Urinary Bladder meridian is highly stimulated
- Great for the liver, spleen, and kidneys. [3]
Joints Affected:
- The Spine.
Recommended Hold Times:
- Three minutes can be intense. Sometimes this pose is done in two or more sessions of two minutes each, separated by two minutes of Squat.
Similar Yang Asanas:
- The yang version is known as Uttanasana, but in the Yin Yoga version the emphasis is not to stretch the hamstrings a lot, but rather to release the lower back. If the legs are straight, it is a nice stretch for the hamstrings, but there is some muscular effort needed. If the knees are bent, it is a great strengthener for the thigh muscles and allows the back to release more fully.
Other Notes:
- Ensure the arches of the feet are lifting
- Balance the weight between toes and heels. You can gently sway or wobble, but no bouncing.
- Straight legs will stretch the hamstrings; bent knees will strengthen the thigh muscles.
- It is more yin-like to bend the knees, bringing the chest to the thighs (you’ll receive a stomach massage, too).
- Can intermix this and Squat. Eventually, hold both for four minutes or more in total.