The hands are folded behind the back in the Indian salutation of namaskar, which means "greeting."
- This stretch requires a great deal of upper-body and arm flexibility.
- Paschima Baddha Hastasana should be practiced until your shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints are flexible enough to execute this asana comfortably.
BENEFITS
• Relieves cervical spondylosis
• Increases upper-body flexibility, arms, elbows, and wrists
• Strengthens knee joints
• Reduces sciatic pain
• Corrects flat feet
PRECAUTIONS
- If you experience stress-related headaches, a migraine, low blood pressure, sleeplessness, osteoarthritis of the knees, bulimia, diarrhoea, or orleukorrhoea, do not practice this asana.
- Do not hold the position for longer than 15 seconds if you have high blood pressure.
- Keep your feet 20cm (8in) apart if you have had polio, are knock-kneed, or have a balance issue.
- Keep your feet together and knees apart if you have back pain, a slipped disc, or a prolapsed uterus.
INSTRUCTIONS
1 Stand in Tadasana on an even, exposed surface with your bare feet.
- Turn your arms in and out a few times, gently.
- Take your hands behind your back and connect your fingers, pointing at the ground.
- Your thumbs should be resting on your lower back.
- Moving your elbows back and rotating your wrists will cause your fingers to spin and point upward, first to your back and then upward.
2 Move your hands up your back, between your shoulder blades, and press them together.
- Keep your hands together from the base to the tips of your fingers.
- Extend your upper arms and chest by pushing your elbows down.
- Make an effort to keep your chest and armpits open.
- Maintain a relaxed neck and shoulders.
- For 30–60 seconds, hold the position. Breathe slowly and evenly.
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