Parighasana, or bar across the gate pose, is a pose that takes the body into an unusual position. True side arches are not something we normally do during the course of a day.
But the spine loves to bend in all directions!
This is a great pose to help unwind the spine towards the end of your practice…to counteract the effects of previous poses such as backbends and forward folds.
(Be sure to download the pdf of this tip sheet at the bottom of this post.)
asana name = parighasana
parigha = a bar used for latching a gate
asana = seat
benefits
- stretches quad, hamstring and ankle
- stimulates abdominal organs
- deep stretch to side of torso and spine
- opens the shoulders
contraindications
- if there’s low-back pain, go gently.
- if there’s knee pain in bent leg, try tucking the lower leg to the inside or sit on a cushion or both.
modifications
- bend straight leg slightly
- bring bent leg into janu shirshasana
- sit on a cushion or folded blanket
- bend the straight leg placing foot against other inner thigh
attitude
brings a sense of calm alertness, openness, reaching out in unusual directions, breaking free from our habits and conditioning.
What you can do next
- Please feel free to share in the comments below…we’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections on this article!
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