Exercise-116: Stambhan asana (The posture of retention)
- This asana is practiced by two persons together. Both lie on their backs with the crown of their heads in contact.
- They stretch both arms sideways and hold each others’ hands at arms length.
- The arms are tensed and the heads press each other.
- One person raises his legs to a vertical position.
- After a few seconds he lowers the legs and then raises them again, this time horizontally over his partner’s head.
- After a few seconds he lowers the legs and relaxes.
- Each person should practice a maximum of 5 times.
Breathing-
- Inhale while in supine position.
- Retain while raising, holding and lowering the legs.
- Exhale when again supine.
- The breathing pattern is identical for both persons.
The first stage where the legs are raised vertically may be practiced simultaneously by both persons.
Limitations-
Should not be practiced by any infirm person.
Benefits-
- This asana strengthens the arm and back muscles.
- It provides abdominal stimulation which activates intestinal peristalsis.
GO BACK
