Pose for October

[puddock]

Janu Sirasana (Head-to-knee pose)



Lengthen through spine and legs
Keep equal weight on both sides of the pelvis
Release bent leg away from hip toward the floor
Lengthen the front torso from the pubis to the top of the breastbone
Point the knee of the extended leg up toward the ceiling
Point the toes of the extended leg up toward the ceiling

Don't round lower back
Don't tighten shoulders
Do extend through heel of straight leg

Pose Benefits

Stretches hamstrings, calves, and lower back muscles
Opens hips, knees and ankles
Calms the mind
Aids digestion
Stimulates liver and kidneys
Helps relieve menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms
Helps alleviate high blood pressure and insomnia

Contraindications

Knee pain or injury
Asthma

Warm up poses
Surya Namaskar
Virabhadrasana II
Parivrtta Trikonasana
Prasarita Padottanasana
Baddha Konasana