Lateral Flexing Asana

Question 1

Parivrtta Upavistha Konasana

Answer 1

Revolved Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend

Question 2

Utthita Trikonasana

Answer 2

Extended Triangle

Question 3

Utthita Parsvakonasana

Answer 3

Extended Lateral (side) Angle

Question 4

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana

Answer 4

Revolved Side Angle

Question 5

Ardha Chandrasana

Answer 5

Half Moon

Question 6

Viparita Virabhadrasana

Answer 6

Reverse Warrior

Question 7

Parsva Vrksasana

Answer 7

Side Bending Tree

Question 8

Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana

Answer 8

Revolved Head to Knee Pose

Question 9

Parighasana

Answer 9

Gate Pose

Question 10

What organs are massaged in lateral flexing postures?

Answer 10

Lungs

kidneys

Spleen

Stomach

Liver/gall bladder/pancreas

Ascending/descending colon

Question 11

What systems are balanced during lateral flexing postures?

Answer 11

Digestion, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Reproductive and Nervous system

Question 12

What are some physiological benefits of lateral flexing asana?

Answer 12

Type II Diabetes

Reduces cholesterol

Sluggish liver (unable to synthesize fats)

Nausea associated w poor digestion

IBS/Crohns/Ulcerative Colitis

Question 13

How does stimulating the kidneys affect overall health?

Answer 13

Supports detoxification Assists liver function if the liver is overburdened

Question 14

How do lateral flexing asana affect blood pressure?

Answer 14

Intra-abdominal pressure elevates low blood pressure, making strong lateral flexing postures contraindicated for high blood pressure

Question 15

Name three safe alignment cues for lateral flexing asana and why.

Answer 15

1. Move in and out of posture the same way slowly + Ujjayi

2. Engage Transverse Abdominus (lower abs) to take pressure & weight off lumbar spine when coming out. Making ‘C’ shape curve.

3. “Don’t Puff chest & flare ribs” to avoid causing tightness in spinal muscles you’re trying to release.

Question 16

Are lateral flexing asana therapeutic or contraindicated for spinal inflexability?

Answer 16

Therapeutic

Question 17

What are some safe alignment focus points and cues for lateral flexing asana?

Answer 17

‘Move in and out of postures the same way’, slowly and w Ujjayi breath.

‘Engage Transverse Abdominus’ (lower abs) to take pressure of lumbar spine when coming out of pose. ‘Scoop abs towards spine and round into ‘C’ shape Curve

‘Don’t Puff chest & flare Ribs’ to avoid creating tension in the spinal muscles you’re trying to release.

‘Engage Mula Bandha’ creating girdle of support and protection for lumbar spine.

Question 18

What spinal conditions are lateral flexing asana contraindicated for?

Answer 18

Prolapsed disc, scoliosis, sciatica, piriformis syndrome

Question 19

What is the energy anatomy of lateral flexing?

Answer 19

1. Energy balanced in organs of Torso: lungs, kidneys, heart, digestive organs incl liver & gall bladder
2. Through spinal flexion all 7 chakras & 72,000 nadis activated
3. Standing Postures = Stability, earthing & grounding

with a balancing of standing on a firm foundation and the freedom & lightness in upper body.

Question 20

How do you use Inhalation/Exhalation into & out of lateral flexing asana as well as during.

Answer 20

Inhale lift & lengthen

Exhale fold deeper into posture

During inhale lengthen spine, draw ribcage away from hips, shoulders down spine to reduce thoracic curve.

During exhale contract abs to control rotation of pelvis