Christina V. Mills

Apr 21, 2020

Paschimatanasana | Intense Forward Fold

Updated: May 23, 2022

Photo by Galen Coles

Etymology

Sanskrit Name: Paschimattanasana

English Translation: Intense Back of the Body Posture

Paschima - Back of the Body, West

Ut - Intense

Asana - Posture

How to:

  • Sit in Dandasana with the legs extended and the feet together.

  • Reach for the feet, holding the big toes. If you have difficulty reaching the toes, hold a towel around the feet to help.

  • On an exhale, fold over the legs, looking toward the big toes.

  • Hold for 5 breaths.

  • After 5 breaths, look up and inhale. Keep hold of the feet as you exhale.

  • To deepen, clasp the hands around the feet and repeat for 5 breaths.