Head to toe pose
- Stand with the feet as wide apart as comfortable and keep the legs straight.
- Turn the right foot out to the right at 90 degrees and turn the left foot in slightly.
- Roll the right thigh outward, so that the centre of the right knee cap is in line with the centre of the right ankle.
- Interlock the fingers behind the back, with the palms turned up.
- Twist the torso to the right and bend the right knee over the right ankle.
- Fold forward from the hips and bring the head down towards the inside of the right foot.
- Straighten the arms up behind the body and allow them to fall forward.
- Hold the position for as long as comfortable.
- To release, realign the head, neck and spine then lower the arms onto the back, press the feet into the floor, lift the torso upright and straighten the bent knee.
- Reverse the feet and repeat for the same duration of time to the left.
- Practice up to 5 rounds.
Breathing
- Inhale while twisting to the side.
- Exhale while bending the front knee and lowering the body.
- Breath naturally while holding the pose.
- Inhale while raising the body to the vertical position.
- Exhale to release the arms beside the body.
Awareness
- The stretch in the legs, spine, shoulders and arms.
- Balance.
- Synchronizing the movement with the breath.
- Manipura chakra.
Contraindications
- Heart conditions.
- High or low blood pressure.
- Back conditions.
- Sciatic.
- Cautions for inverted postures apply.
Benefits
- Strengthens and stretches the legs, knees, and ankles.
- Increases flexibility in the groins, spine, waist, chest and shoulders.
- Stimulates abdominal organs.
- Increases stamina.