Side Angle Pose

Parsvakonasana or Side Angle pose requires a stable base through the legs and feet allowing the side body and chest to blossom open into a full lateral stretch. This week we will approach Parsvakkonasana much like the other standing postures in the series by finding opening in reclining postures, alignment in kneeling postures and then approaching the full posture standing.

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Reclining Side Bend
Lay on back with legs extended. Walk legs to right side of mat and raise arms over head. Extend through heels of feet, especially on the left leg and hold left wrist with right hand drawing left arm overhead to create crescent moon shape with body. Hold 1-2 minutes per side keeping both shoulders and hips on the floor, then change sides.

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Half Happy Baby Pose
Lay on back with knees bent and feet on floor. Draw right knee into chest holding behind right knee, pull knee out in front of the right shoulder and press up through right heel so that knee is bent about ninety degrees. Either keep left foot on floor or extend left leg straight. Hold for a bout 10 breaths then change sides.

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Happy Baby Pose
Lay on back with knees drawn into chest. Hold behind knees and press heels up so that knees are bent at about ninety degrees. Alternatively reach arms inside of knees and grasp the outsides of the feet and draw thighs down towards floor while keeping soles of feet facing upwards. You may also place a folded blanket under the pelvis for comfort and ease.

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Low Lunge with Twist
From hands and knees, step right foot forward between hands and keep left knee down on floor. Raise torso up and place left hand on floor or block and right hand on hip, twist torso to right. Hold for up to 10 breaths then come back to center. Place right hand on block or floor and left hand on hip and twist torso away from bent knee. Hold up to 10 breaths and release into Child's Pose or Downward Facing Dog.

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High Lunge with Twist
From hands and knees, step right foot forward between hands and press the left leg back raising left knee off floor. Raise torso up and place left hand on floor or block and right hand on hip, twist torso to right. Hold for up to 10 breaths then come back to center. Place right hand on block or floor and left hand on hip and twist torso away from bent knee. Hold up to 10 breaths and release into Child's Pose or Downward Facing Dog.

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Parsvakonasana (Side Angle Pose)
Stand with feet wide apart. Turn right foot out 90 degrees and left foot in 30 degrees. Inhale arms out from shoulders. Exhale and bend right knee. Bring right elbow to right knee or right hand to a block behind the right foot. Raise right arm overhead and stretch entire left side of body. 
Hold 5-10 breaths then release and change sides.

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