The greatness of yoga lies in the fact that even ordinary looking poses have the capacity to fulfill many health needs. In the vast list of yogic poses, Upavistha Konasana is one such exercise that can bring physical, mental as well as spiritual strength to you. However, to derive the numerous benefits of Upavistha Konasana, you have to perform this pose under the able guidance of a professional instructor.
This simple looking pose called Upavistha Konasana also has its root in the Sanskrit language. Herein, Upavistha is for the ‘sitting’, Kona refers to ‘angle’, and the ‘asana’ means ‘posture or pose.’ However, if practiced regularly, this asana can open up the hips and make your inner thighs, back, and the shoulders stronger.
The Science Behind Upavistha Konasana
After performing this asana with a relatively wider stretch, your thought process, as well as the emotions, get stimulated. This type of development happens mainly due to the challenge that Upavistha Konasana throws before you. In the process of doing this asana perfectly, you actually push your mental as well as physical boundaries. Just look at any picture of this asana and you will be amazed to see that even after enduring intense pain, yogis manage to stay grounded.
Ensure These Things Before Upavistha Konasana
Make sure to do this asana on an empty stomach. For best results, take your meal at least five hours before practicing the Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend. In order to prepare for this intermediate level Hatha Yoga Style Pose, you can consider Baddha Konasana, Dandasana or Supta Padangusthasana as the preparatory poses.
How to Perform Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend Correctly?
Step 1: First of all, get a firm yoga mat for performing this pose. Begin this asana by sitting in an erect pose with your legs open and at an angle of 90 degrees.
Step 2: Now, stretch your toes as straight as you can and keep it in proper alignment with the knees. In fact, you might start getting a feel of a curve in your lower back after this stretch.
Step 3: Further, place your folded palms on the floor in such a manner that they are just behind the hips. You might have to bend a little for maintaining a perfect balance in this pose.
Step 4: Now, take a deep breath that might help in lifting the sides of your body slightly. This inhale will create a hollow space in your spine. Pay attention to your posture in this mode while holding the breath for a few seconds. You will definitely be able to experience an intense but enjoyable stretch in your legs.
Step 5: Now, you can slowly exhale by getting ample support from the lower back.
Step 6: Repeat this process of inhaling and exhaling for a few times until your spine and legs feel comfortable.
Step 7: Finally, fold your knees in a gentle manner and pull back the legs together to feel the bliss.
The Top Five Benefits of Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend
Strengthen the Back: The very mechanism of this asana ensures that the inside portion of both the legs gets ample stretch. This proves extremely beneficial if you are suffering from sciatica or arthritis.
Fire-up the Core: During the process of bending and then breathing effectively, the abdominal organs get toned and stimulated. This leads to a better digestive system and a toned belly.
Acquire Mental Peace: One of the key benefits of benefits of Upavistha Konasana is its ability to ensure you have an extremely relaxed and calm brain. This happens due to rhythmic breathing and a proper flow of blood as a result of this asana performance.
Manage Menstrual Issues with Ease: You can also practice this asana in order to feel more at ease during menstruation. A keen performance of this pose regulates the menstrual flow and helps with making it a hassle-free process.
Despite being simple and less time-consuming, the benefits of Upavistha Konasana are more than amazing. With proper information and a relaxed approach (keeping the condition of your back in mind, particularly) you can improve the stamina of your body and be at peace in the mind.
To Know more about Upavistha Konasana, join yoga teacher training in India.
