Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana B (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose B)

In Sanskrit, utthita translates to stretched, hasta to hand, pada to foot, and angustha to big toe. Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana is a part of the Standing Sequence of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series. Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana comes in four variations:

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose)

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose A)

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana B (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose B)

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana C (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose C)

How to perform Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana B (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose B)?

1. Start in Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose), making sure that your spine is tall and chest open. Ground yourself in this asana before moving on.

2. On an exhale, start bring your right leg to the right side while changing your dristhi to the left. Stay for 5 breaths.

3. Exhale, and move on to Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana C (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose C).

Modifications

You can perform the asana on your back instead (or a chair!). Use a strap if you can't reach your leg. Take your time practicing this asana and explore your limits. Practice Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose, Pavana Muktasana (Standing Wind Release Pose) or Vrksasana (Tree Pose) for balance.

Benefits

• Strengthens your whole lower body, hips and legs

• Works on your balance

• Lengthens spine from root

• Rooting

• Concentration

• Good for athletes and rheumatism

Contraindications

• Pregnancy

• Lack of body-mind-connection

• Knee or ankle issues

• Spine or back issues

• Low blood pressure

Chakras

Sacral Chakra (Swadisthana Chakra)

Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra)

Elements

Water

Earth

Doshas

Pitta

Kapha

Dristhi

Side