Stretch & release from head to toe in Side Seated Angle Pose…
Side Seated Angle Pose (Parsva Upavistha Konasana) – also known as Seated Side Stretch Pose – is a beginner-level yoga pose that stretches both the lower and upper body. This pose helps increase flexibility in the hips and legs – particularly the hamstrings and inner thighs. It also provides a gentle stretch for the upper back, arms, and shoulders, as well as the sides of the waist and muscles between the ribs. It may also help to improve posture, release stress and tension, and calm the mind and body. Traditionally, this pose is believed to activate the Sacral and Solar Plexus chakras, helping to release stored emotions and cultivate self-confidence.
To modify the pose, you may wish to sit on a folded blanket. You can also do this pose as a restorative pose by resting the upper torso on a bolster or several folded blankets. If you find it difficult to reach the feet at first, you may hold your ankles or your shins until your flexibility improves.
While this is generally a safe pose, those with recent or chronic injury to the low back, legs, knees, or hips may want to skip this one.
How to Do Side Seated Angle Pose:
1. Seated in Staff Pose, spread the legs out as wide as comfortable with the toes and knee caps pointing straight up.
2. Twist from the waist to face the right leg. As you exhale, walk both hands towards the right foot and reach the forehead to the knee.
3. Hold onto the right foot if possible. Bend the elbows slightly to relax the shoulders and neck. To deepen the stretch in the back of the leg, gently press out through the heel and pull the toes towards your body.
4. Breathe and hold for 3-8 breaths.
5. To release: slowly walk the hands in and roll up the spine.
6. Repeat on the other side.
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