PARSVAKONASANA (EXTENDED SIDE ANGLE)

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Parsva = Lateral, Side, Wing; Kona = Angle; Asana = Posture

From Warrior II pose, the torso is bent laterally resting the front arm on the front thigh. The torso is rotated open as the rib cage is spiraled towards the sky. The back arm reaches for the sky. The front arm remains where it is or reaches for the space between the big and second toe. Shoulders are down and back. A long straight line of energy from the heel of the back foot through the side of the torso and out through the finger tips is maintained.

Benefits of the posture:

• tractions and rotates the spine, nourishing the vertebral discs
• tones abdominal organs
• strengthens ankles, knees, legs, hips and shoulders