By Karen Watson Reeves
Gate Pose is one I like to use in a sequence between seated and standing poses. I had been looking around town for a unique gate to include in the photo, but was having no luck. Thanks to the inspiration and idea of my eagle-eyed photographer, Fred Padilla, a fun solution was found.
I also had been wanting to incorporate the fountain that links Whittington, Central and Park Avenue, since these streets are my neighborhood. Fred suggested that I become the “gate,” welcoming all to Historic Downtown Hot Springs.
Parighasana is the Sanskrit name of the pose. Parighha refers to a bar or beam that is used to lock a gate, so in the “full” version of the pose where the palms are pressed together, the body mimics the look of a gate.
Besides forming a gate with the body, why else practice this pose? Parighasana provides an entrance way for oxygen to enter our bodies and reach parts that can be overlooked. It encourages the practitioner to bring awareness and flexibility to the often neglected sides of the body.
In this pose the intercostal muscles, which are the muscles that connect the ribs, are given a good stretch. It is common for them to get short and tight from poor posture and sitting for extended periods of time. When these muscles are tight, they restrict the movement of the ribcage and the lungs, which can result in poor breathing habits. Breathing capacity is thus improved, so everyday breathing is enhanced and relief of respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies and colds can be a result.
A nice lengthening of the body from the hips to the armpits, including the abdominal muscles, spine, and hamstrings, also occurs in this pose. Gate Pose is a welcoming pose, welcoming space into the side body, just as an open gate welcomes guests to your home and to our city.
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.
