Padahastasana Or Hand Under Foot Pose: Improve The Functioning of Your Body

No wonder, ‘yoga’ is an effective form of exercise that leads to self-establishment, a harmony of soul, a healthy mind and body. It is an exceptional way to achieve a glowing skin, healthy and flexible body, and a sense of self-sufficiency.

Yoga poses are a better way to improve the functioning of the body, and Padahastasana is no exception. The term ‘Padahastasana’ belongs to the Sanskrit dictionary in which ‘pada’ means ‘foot’, hasta means ‘hand’ and ‘asana’ means ‘pose’. It is also known as ‘Hand Under Foot Pose’.

It strengthens the muscles of the limbs as well as the core which is why it is one of the most favorite yoga poses for people who are concerned about their overall fitness and want to improve muscle flexibility. If you want to include this yoga asana in your list of yoga poses, then keep on reading this article.

Points You Should Know Before Performing This Asana

Like most of the yoga asana, Padahastasana must be practiced early morning on an empty stomach. If you are not able to practice this asana in the morning, you can perform it in the evening. Make sure that you have your meals at least 4 to 6 hours prior practicing this asana.

How To Do Padahastasana?

1. Stand on the floor in an upright position.
2. Now, lift your hands up and keep them straight and allow your palms to slightly touch each other.
3. Exhale and bend your body forward and stretch your arms.
4. Keep bending your body until your hands reach your toes. Make sure your chin comes in contact with your knees.
5. Now, place your fingers under your toes and hold this position for at least 15-30 seconds.

How To Release The Pose?

To come out of the posture, first you need to release the hands from the feet. Now, straighten the body slowly, keeping the neck down. After that, straighten the head as well. Take a few breaths and repeat this asana at least twice.

Beginner’s Tip To Perform Padahastasana

If you are a beginner, then start with the bent knees and place your palms under your feet. Don’t stretch your hand too much to get into the pose. Take your time and gradually bend your body.

Points of Caution You Need To Keep In Mind While Practicing Padahastasana

• People who are suffering from back pain or hip injury should take the recommendations from an expert yoga instructor.
• People who have high blood pressure, heart problems, knee problems, sciatica pain or abdominal hernia should perform this asana under supervision.
• You should not practice this asana if you are suffering from the ulcer.
• Don’t put a lot of pressure on your body while doing this asana as it might put stress on your knees, thighs, calf muscles, and ankles and may result in a sprain. Practice according to your capability and flexibility.

Perks Of Practicing Padahastasana Or Hand Under Foot Pose

• It helps to eliminate stress, anxiety, and fatigue by energizing the body.
• It is a very effective asana to reduce abdominal fat.
• Practice this asana regularly can strengthen a few body parts including, thigh muscles, hand, and calf muscles.
• It improves balance, posture, and flexibility.
• It increases concentration and also boosts metabolism.
• Regular practice of Padahastasana improves blood circulation.
• It is very useful in digestive disorders.
• Padahastasana is good if you want to increase your height.
• If you are suffering from problems related to the throat and nose, then you should perform this asana.
• It improves the functioning of the spleen and liver.