Padhastasana

(Hands Touching Feet Posture)

In this asana, 'Hast' meaning 'Hands' touch 'Pad' meaning 'Feet' and hence the name Padhastasana. This asana belongs to Paschimotasana family. The only difference is that Paschimotasana is a sitting asana and this is a standing asana.

Method

1. Stand straight on floor, keep feet together and hands by side. Breathe in and raise your hands straight above your head and point towards sky.
2. Slowly breathing out bend forward. Touch right foot with right hand and left foot with left hand. and hold feet as taught in the Paschimottanasana. Knees and hands must be kept straight.
3. Slowly breathing in rise up and straighten your waist, chest and neck. Take your hands up keeping them close to ears and pointing towards sky.
4. Breathing out brings your hands down.

Padhastasana (Hands Touching Feet Posture)

Duration

Initially practice this Asana for half a minute and then increase time up to three minutes. Remember that breath should not be held forcibly.

Effect on Health

With practice of this asana, fat around waist and buttocks vanishes and as a result it becomes easy to get rid of obesity. Spine receives adequate exercise which results in strengthening nervous system. Practice of this asana is very useful in curing problems related to reproductive organs. The uterus remains in position. As blood circulation is towards face and brain, face glows and memory power and concentration increases. This asana plays a very important role in rectifying blood related disorders.

Practice of this asana mainly influences the thyroid and adrenal glands resulting in a balanced hormonal secretion from these glands thus helping in keeping related organs healthy.

Other Benefits

Body gets rid of excess fat and is relieved of pain in back, waist and shoulders. All benefits from Paschimottanasana can be attained by practice of this asana. Patients suffering from insomnia can be cured with regular practice of this asana.