Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Prasarita Mean?
Prasarita is a Sanskrit term meaning “wide stance” and refers to prasarita padottanasana, which is one of the forward bend yoga poses.
To enter the pose, stand in tadasana. The feet stand apart, maintaining a distance of about four feet. Bend forward and place the palms on the floor between the legs and to the front. The hands should be hip-width distance apart. Then stretch the spine further to place the crown of the head on the floor between the palms. Remain in the pose for one minute. When exiting the pose, bring the hands to the hips, place the feet firmly on the ground as the torso is lifted, and finally assume tadasana again.
Prasarita padottanasana is called wide-legged forward bend in English.
Yogapedia Explains Prasarita
Regular practice of prasarita padottanasana relieves stress in the shoulders and back, promotes heart and lung health, tones abdominal organs, improves digestion, stretches the lower back and the legs, strengthens knee joints and promotes hip flexibility.
The mental benefits of prasarita padottanansa include:
- Calms the mind
- Boosts self-confidence
- Soothes the nervous system
- Relieves stress
Prasarita padottanasana stimulates the muladhara, svadisthana and manipura chakras. The muladhara chakra supports spiritual aspiration; svadisthana is associated with creativity; and manipura promotes power, self-esteem and balances energy.
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