Parsvottanasana "Pyramid Pose"

Pronunciation: (pahrs-vo-TAHN-ah-sahn-na)

Also called:

Parshvottanasana Reverse Prayer Pose Back of Body Prayer Pose Intense Side Stretch Pose

Level:

Beginner

Chakra:

Benefits: This lengthening pose stretches the thigh, calf, hamstring, ankles, and ankles.  When arms are in reverse prayer position there is a great stretch to the shoulders and triceps as well. 

How it's done:

• There are many preparatory poses to this position, with legs in the pyramid position, and a flat back
• Arms straight out
• One arm out, one on the lower back
• Grabbing wrists behind the back
• Arms open to the sides

• Both hands on the front shin
• Hands on the toes of the flexed front foot
• Both hands on the calf of the rear leg
• Palms on the floor of either side of the front foot
• The nose or chin on the front shin, fingertips to the floor at the rear foot
• Nose to the shin of the front leg, hands in prayer around the thigh of the front leg
• And finally, the nose to the shin of the front leg, arms in reverse prayer position behind the back