Parsvottanasana

Sanskrit:

Parsva - side or flank
Uttana - from Ut, for intense and Tan, for extend, stretch or lengthen

Intense Side Stretch Pose

Pose will provide an intense stretch through the side of the chest

Benefits:

• Stretches legs and hips
• Improves elasticity and relieves stiffness in the hips, spine, neck shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
  
• Tones the muscles of the abdomen
• With the shoulders drawn back in the full pose it is possible for the breath to be very deep.
  
• Calms the mind, relieving anxiety and nervous tension
  

Contraindications:

• People suffering from high blood pressure or back pain may want to perform pose by bringing the palms of the hands against a wall, keeping the spine extended and long.