Introduction:

Parsvakonasana is derived from the combination of the Sanskrit words Parsva (side or flank),Kona (angle) and asana (posture or pose).  It is called as Side angle Pose in English.

Preparatory poses for Parsvakonasana are UpavistaKonasana, Siddhasana, Virasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana,  Supta Virasana, Virabhadrasana II, Utthita Trikonasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Supta Baddha Konasana and Supta Padangustasana; and the follow up poses are Bakasana , Malasana and Baddha Konasana.

This asana helps to stretching the body parts that are not usually fully stretched. It can be practised by all level of students. It increases the balance and concentration.

Steps Involved:

1. Start with standing on the yoga mat.
2. Form the Tandasana(Mountain Pose).
3. Inhale; Place your foot with 3 to 4 ft. apart from each other.
4. Swing your arms out of the side.
5. Stretch your legs and arms
6. Up your chest.
7. Breathing should be normal.
8. Turn the left foot in and your right foot out.
9. Exhale; bend your right knee to form a square.
10. Make sure that your shin is upright and your thigh is parallel to the yoga mat.
11. Slowly place your right hand on the floor to the outside of your right foot.
12. Extend your left arm up.
13. Palm should face downwards.
14. Move your tailbone in.
15. Press the right knee back to align it above your right ankle.
16. Anchor your left foot firmly to the floor.
17. Extend through the left hand.
18. Now you can feel the good stretch along your entire right side.
19. Slowly stretch your arms over your ear and look up.
20. Hold in this position for few seconds (20 to 30 seconds).
21. Breathing should be normal.
22. Exit the pose by come back to standing pose.
23. Repeat all the above steps with the opposite direction.

Benefits:

• Stretches the muscles of hips, groin, spine, lungs,chest, shoulders, legs, ankles and abdomen.
• Strengthens the legs, ankles and knees.
• Increases the overall stamina.
• Stimulating the abdominal organs.
• It is helpful in constipation and acidity.
• Regular practise will give a big impact in infertility.
• Helps to cure the weak backs, chronic back pain, and the osteoporosis.
• Regulates the menstruation cycle.
• It is a good remedy for highly painful inflammation of the sciatica nerve.
• Enhances lung capacity.
• Relieves sciatic and arthritic pain.
• Improves the digestion.
• Helps in reducing the fat.
• Good pose for displacement of the spinal discs problems.
• Cures the kidney problems.

Dos, Don’ts and Tips:

People with the following problem please avoid practising this pose, or practise under the expert’s supervisions and doctor’s advice.

• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Hypertension.
• Neck problems or neck pain
• Cervical spondylitis

Practise this yoga daily, will yield the better results.

It’s good to do this pose in the morning with empty stomach.