Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga

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Hasta Padangushthasana - Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga, How to do Hasta Padangushthasana - Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga, Benefits of Hasta Padangushthasana - Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga, Precautions, & a note for yoga practitioners

Hasta Padangushthasana (finger to toe stretch) is a part of the Forward bending yoga poses mentioned in the book “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati that focuses on introversion and counteracting the extroversion and dynamic opening up of bending backwards. It is associated with chest compression and exhalation, which induces relaxation.

hasta padangusthasana

How to do Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga

  • Lie on the right side with the arms stretched over the head, so that the whole body is balanced in one straight line along the floor. 
  • The palm of the left hand should rest on top of the palm of the right hand.
  • The left foot should rest on top of the right foot. This is the starting position.
  • Keep the arms and legs straight throughout the practice. Raise the left leg and arm to their full extent and, keeping them straight, take hold of the big toe without bending the knee. If this is impossible, take hold of a suitable point on the leg to give support while gently stretching the hip.
  • This is the final position.
  • Hold the final position for a short duration. Lower the arm and leg to the starting position.
  • Practise a maximum of 10 times on this side.
  • Lie in shavasana to relax with normal breathing. Roll over to the other side and repeat.
  • Make sure that the whole body stays in a straight line, without allowing it to curve or bend at the buttocks.

Breathing Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga

  • Inhale while raising the limbs. 
  • Exhale while lowering.

Benefits Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga

  • This practice makes the hip joints flexible. It helps the proper development and shaping of the pelvis in young girls. 
  • It reduces excess weight on the hips and thighs and develops a sense of balance and coordination, making the posture and gait more steady and graceful.

Precautions while doing Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga

  • Those suffering from sciatica should not practise this asana.

Forward Bending Yoga Poses Series

Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga is a part of the forward bending yoga poses series. Forward bending is a passive process in which gravity is utilized to stretch the muscle groups being focused upon. While backward bends move the body away from the confines of gravity, forward bending asanas use gravity to help release tension and pain. This is a part of the intermediate yoga poses. If you are a beginner you should explore  Pawanmuktasana seriesrelaxation postures in yogameditation postures in yogavajrasana group of asanasstanding asanasSurya Namaskara (Sun salutation), and Chandra Namaskara (moon salutation)

The following Yoga Poses / Yoga asanas are a part of the forward bending yoga poses series.

  1. Saithalyasana – Animal Relaxation Pose In Yoga
  2. Paschimottanasana – Back Stretching Pose In Yoga 
  3. Gatyatmak Paschimottanasana – Dynamic Back Stretch Pose In Yoga
  4. Pada Prasar Paschimottanasana – Legs Spread Back Stretch Pose In Yoga
  5. Janu Sirshasana – Head To Knee Pose In Yoga
  6. Ardha Padma Paschimottanasana – Half Lotus Back Stretching Pose In Yoga
  7. Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga
  8. Meru Akarshanasana – Spinal Bending Pose In Yoga
  9. Padahastasana – Hand To Foot Pose In Yoga
  10. Sirsha Angustha Yogasana – Head To Toe Pose In Yoga
  11. Utthita Janu Sirshasana – Standing Head Between Knees Pose In Yoga 
  12. Eka Padottanasana – One Leg Raised To Head Pose In Yoga
Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga and the forward bending yoga poses series are a part of Hatha Yoga. The yoga poses or yoga asanas have been defined Sthira sukham asanas. It literally means “yoga poses is a steady and comfortable pose”. It’s recommended to not over stretch while doing this pose and make sure that you are able to hold the pose in a steady comfortable state. There are many health benefits of Hatha Yoga. This pose in particular has its set of benefits described above. It’s important to also remember that there’s more to Yoga than physical fitness. The ultimate goal of yoga as defined in the scriptures is to still the changing states of mind. Yoga poses help you remain physically fit so that you can practice meditation. (Also read – Basics of Yoga). Yoga has 8 limbs according to scriptures and yoga poses or yoga asanas are the third limb of yoga.

We hope that through this article featuring forward bending yoga poses, you were able to understand how to do the Hasta Padangushthasana – Finger To Toe Stretch In Yoga easily, its benefits, and precautions.

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