Jessica Style

Feeling overwhelmed by everyday worries, stress and anxiety? Try the Big Toe Pose for relieving stress. This yoga pose is involved with the nervous system. This pose confers an upper body release, being able to relax the mind because of the gentle inversion which is brought by it. The Big Toe Pose aka Padangusthasana can help you alleviate insomnia and headaches plus the practitioner can become more flexible because of the hamstring stretch.

Follow the instructions listed below:

1. Stand up with your feet parallel to each other and around six inches (15 cm) apart.
2. Tighten the front thigh muscles and elevate the kneecaps.
3. Maintaining your legs entirely straight, exhale while you bend in front of you, moving the upper body and the head in a straight line; lace the index and middle finger of both hands between the big toes and the second toes.
4. Next, twist these fingers under and grab the big toes steadfastly, placing the thumbs around the other two fingers to ensure a secure wrap.
5. Push the toes against the fingers; inhale and elevate the upper body as if intending to stand up again, unbending the elbows.
6. Extend the upper body, exhale again and elevate the sitting bones.
7. Depending on each practitioner’s flexibility, the lower back will curve more or less.
8. While doing this, relax the hamstrings and contract your lower abdomen at the same time, slightly lifting it towards the pelvis back; elevate the sternum top as high as possible, however pay attention not to elevate the head so far as to compress the neck back.
9. Maintain a relaxed forehead.

The Big Toe Pose brings numerous benefits to different body parts, among which:

• Since this pose involves a lot of stretches, it increases the blood flow to the brain, improving the concentration and retention ability;
• The blood pressure and anxiety are regulated, while relaxing the practitioner;
• This pose is also helpful for flat feet;
• Tired muscles can become invigorated.

Why practice the Big Toe Pose

The Big Toe Pose should be practiced by anyone who wants to:

• Relive stress, calm the brain and fight anxiety;
• Alleviate insomnia or sleep issues;
• Stimulate his or her kidneys and liver;
• Improve the digestion;
• Stretch the calves and hamstrings.

This pose is not recommended to individuals with neck and lower back injuries. Please make sure you consult a physician before exercising the Big Toe Pose.

For more details about the Big Toe Pose and its benefits, we invite you to get in touch with our friendly staff members.