Lateral Angle aka PARSVAKONASANA

PARSVA || side KONA || angle

Primary Purpose of Lateral Angle || is to strengthen the legs, build heat in the body, open the inner line of the front leg, and stretch the side body. Lateral Angle has many variations and is fun to explore after an adequate warm up.

Benefits of Lateral Angle

Strengthens

legs (quadriceps, hamstrings)
buttocks (gluteus medius and minimus)
abdomen (obliques)
shoulders (deltoids)
arms (triceps)
neck

Stretches

hips
groin (adductors)
chest (pectoralis)
arms (biceps)

Stimulates

digestion, relieves constipation

Relieves

rheumatism
arthritis in the legs
stress, stimulates the mind, build concentration and willpower

Proceed With Care

if you have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, heart conditions, nervous discoursers: practice carefully without long holds.

Avoid Posture

if you experience recent or chronic knee, hip abdomen or shoulder injury, inflammation or pain

Common Misalignments To Look Out For

back knee and thigh collapse toward the ground
chest curves toward the earth
belly rests on thigh
collapse in side body – weight rests on thigh
head droops down toward the shoulder
floating shoulder wraps away from the body

Encourage

shifting your weight into your heals – pressing into the knife edge of your back foot
spiral back thigh, belly, ribs and chest toward the sky
lifting through the side body – the obliques
extending through the crown of the head, creating a long line of energy
pressing through the finger tips
extend through the crown of your head
if bicep is by the ear, rotate pinky finger toward the ground (protecting the shoulder)
choose any hand variation such as
- bring top hand to hip
- hand to inside or outside of the front foot
- half or full bind
- both arms suspended – framing the head

Practice With Me!

Coming back to the basics is so refreshing. I encourage you to come with an open mind and see what new thing you can discover in extended side angle. If this is your first time exploring lateral side angel, do tell me how it went and what you think! I love the shares!