Benefits of Parighasana

Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga which deals with the physique and its movements strengthens, elongates and vitalizes each and every part of the body, removes illnesses and concentrates on the connection of inner and outer movements. Hatha yoga involves various yoga postures or asanas to be practiced in order to let the universal vital force or Prana to freely flow through your body and energize your Energy centers or Chakras. Parighasana or Gate Pose is one such Asana. Parighasana benefits are many. It demands the active participation of the whole body and provides special attention to the back part, the side parts and the abdominal organs of the body. Parighasana benefits include the energizing and invigorating of corresponding Chakras or the energy centers- the heart chakra, naval chakra and the Muladhara.

In order to practice parighasana you have to stretch and curve your whole torso, legs and hands. Thus the muscles of your back part, side parts and legs get stronger and healthier. Through strengthening and elongating the intercostals, the ribs, the abdominal organs and the hips it improves the respiratory system as well as the digestive system enormously; and gives you freedom from respiratory and digestive disorders or illnesses, like- asthma, cold and gastric diseases. Moreover it concentrates and energizes the lungs, liver and the kidneys and can cure the diseases related to them. Parighasana benefits also include the improved spinal flexibility and strength.

Through stretching the legs completely Parighasana makes the hamstrings, ankles and groins stronger and flexible. Moreover the muscles of the hands and the arms are also stretched and strengthened.

To practice Gate pose and to enjoy parighasana benefits you have to follow some easy steps and have to appear like an arched gate. The steps are as follow-

At first, kneel down on the floor. If your knees are sensitive you can use soft mattress or low bolsters beneath them. Place your hands horizontally keeping the palms downwards.

Stretch your right leg by the side. Keep the sole of your right foot parallel to your left thigh while the kneecaps will face the ceiling. Your left thigh will be right beneath your left hip. Or you can keep the ball and the heel of your right foot touching the floor completely. If you are a beginner or have problems controlling your movements completely then it will be better for you to use something as a barrier or support to your stretched right foot.

After that, curve your torso towards the stretched right leg and rest the right palm on your sheen. At the same time raise your left hand upwards keeping the palm downwards and slowly keep on raising it ultimately curving it over the year and the head, while you right palms may touch the ankles.

Breathe slowly. Inhale while straightening up a little and bend deep while exhaling.

Now slowly come back to your kneeling down position again tracing back the steps until your hands are horizontal again. Now with an exhalation put your hands down to your sides.

Lastly, do the same on the other side- stretching your left leg this time and following the same breathing pattern. Keep on doing it on both sides as long as you are comfortable with and always remember not to overstrain yourself. Go steady and enjoy the Parighasana benefits.