Raised Hand To Big Toe Variation

November 5, 2012/in Balancing /by Christina Jagusiak

Utthia Hasta Padngusthasana Variation - Raised Hand To Big Toe Variation

Stand with the feet together and the arms beside the body.
Find a point in front of the body to fix the gaze.
Bend right knee towards the chest and take a hold of the right big toe with right hand.
Straighten the right leg in front of the body and once straight slowly pull it up closer to the torso.
Raise the left arm to the side for balance.
Place the left hand in jnana mudra, by curling the index finger to the base of the left thumb.
Once balanced take the outstretched leg to the side.
Hold the position for as long as comfortable then bend the knee, release the toe and lower the foot to the floor.
Relax the arms and then repeat to the other side.
Practice up to 3 rounds.

Breathing

Inhale while taking a hold of the big toe.
Exhale while straightening the leg and taking it to the side.
Breathe naturally in the balance.
Exhale while lowering the leg.

Awareness

Balance.
Stretch in the legs and hips.
Mooladhara chakra.

Contraindications

Back conditions.
Sciatica.
Hip conditions.

Benefits

Improves the sense of balance.
Stretches the hamstrings, calves and thighs.
Strengthens the hips, thighs, knees and ankles.
Develops concentration and focus.
Calms and balances the mind.

Practice note

In this pose the knee can easily rotate inward. To prevent this consciously rotate the thigh outwardly and turn the knee so the kneecap faces straight ahead.