acpang-9:30B

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sanskrit name and translation

Parivritta Parshvakonasana

parivritta: to turn around, revolve
parshva: side, flank
kona: angle

Critical Elements of the asana

	STEP 1: To start off, step back with your left leg, bend your knee at 90 degrees, and kneel with your left knee.
	STEP 2: Bring your left elbow or left upper arm over your right knee. Move your right hand close to your hips.
	STEP 3: Place both palms in the prayer position. Make an upward motion out of the lower back so that the elbow slightly presses upward against your right knee and you no longer lean on your leg.
	STEP 4: Put some counter pressure with your arm against the knee, stretch your back, move your shoulder blades backwards, and turn to the right with your upper body. Straighten your left leg backwards.
Twisting action of the yoga position opens the chest, shoulders, spine, abdomen, groin, hip flexors, and legs.	STEP 5: Put your left hand on the floor and align your right arm with your left leg. At this point, your right arm and left leg should form a diagonal line. Try to stretch your neck, breathe towards the breast bone and twist from the lower shoulder blade which steers on the twist. Repeat the exercise on the other side.

Physical and Therapeutic Benefits of the asana

PHYSICAL:

Strengthens and stretches the legs, knees, and ankles, and waist
Stretches the groins, spine, waist, chest and lungs, and shoulders
Stimulates abdominal organs
Increases stamina and lung capacity
Realigns the spine
Improves digestion and aids elimination
Improves balance

THERAPEUTICAL:

Helps constipation
Reduces infertility
Relieves low backache
Helps osteoporosis
Relieves sciatica
Reduces menstrual discomfort

When I'm in Parivritta Parshvakonasana, I feel my whole body lengthening and being stretched. I especially feel it in the side of my body. I feel my quadriceps working as I am squeezing my legs to stay in line. I also feel my spine being stretched out, then twisted, which gets pulled up as my arm stretches upward.

Monday, November 1, 2010

References

Exercise - Revolved Side Angle Pose
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/info/revolved-side-angle.asp

Lunge High with Twist
http://www.staryoga.com/lunge-high-with-twist

Journal - Revolved Side Angle Pose
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/876

Youtube: Yoga Sunset Chill - Yoga Music & Chill Out - BMP Music - Anke Moehlmann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQOzMILRjfk