Hastottanssana (Up-Stretched Arms Posture)

Hastottanssana comprises of three words– hasta, uttana and asana. Hasta means 'arms'; uttana means 'stretched up' and asana means ‘posture’. In this posture, the arms are stretched upwards, hence is called Hastottanssana.

Let us perform Hastottanssana by following the steps given below:

1. Stand erect on the ground with both feet together.

2. Slowly inhaling, raise both arms over the head.

3. Keep the palms facing up and interlock your fingers.

4. Exhaling bend from the waist towards the right side. Maintain this position comfortably for 5-10 seconds in the beginning.

5. Inhaling, come to the center.

6. Repeat it from left side as well.

Remember the following points:

Do’s

• Bend from the waist only.

• Stretch the arms up as much as possible.

Don’ts

• Avoid bending forward.

Benefits

• It relaxes whole body.

• It relieves pain in neck, shoulders and arms.

• It is beneficial for increasing the height of growing children.

• It increases the flexibility of spine.

Limitation

• During hernia, abdominal inflammation, this asana should not be performed.