Maybe the name of the pose grabbed your attention to read this article. It’s a fun name to say and the English translation of the pose is less than exciting, Seated Forward Bend Pose. Literally translated, the pose would be known as “intense stretch of the west.”
In the Sanskrit form, “paschim” means “west” and in yogic anatomy we identify the back body as west. This asana (which is “pose” in English) gives the back part of the body a good stretch, all the way from the ankles to the head. The spinal muscles are strengthened, the lumbar spine elasticity is increased, spinal compression is relieved, and the shoulders and hamstrings are stretched.
In this pose, the practitioner bends forward from the hip crease and brings the head toward the feet. This forward bending activates the parasympathetic nervous system, thus enhancing concentration and mental endurance. It also invigorates and calms the mind. The pose can help sooth anxiety and headaches, as well as relieve mild depression, stress, and insomnia.
After a lot of standing or sitting or traveling, the body feels stiff, tight, and inflexible. Sometimes the mind feels overwhelmed at the prospect of too much to do and too little time, making focusing on a task difficult. Find a comfortable spot to sit (maybe a lovely spot in our beautiful city, such as the waterfalls at Northwoods Trails) and fold into Paschimottanasana. Your distracted mind and your hamstrings will unwind.
Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly and has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle.
Pictured Above: At the waterfall at Northwoods Trail, Karen Watson Reeves demonstrates Paschimottanasana, a yoga stretch that helps soothes anxiety and ease headaches.
