Supta Padangusthasana

Supta Padangusthasana, Reclining Hand to Big Toe pose,[1] or Supine Hand to Toe pose[2][3] is a reclining asana in modern yoga as exercise.

Etymology and origins

The name is from the Sanskrit सुप्त पादाङ्गुष्ठासन supta pādāṅguṣṭhāsana, from सुप्त supta, "reclined", पादाङ्गुष्ठ pādāṅguṣṭha, "big toe", and आस āsana, "posture" or "seat".[4]

The asana is not described in medieval hatha yoga texts, but appears in the 20th century. For example, it is pose 27 in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga's primary series.[5]

Description
Variant pose with leg raised, hand not grasping the foot

The pose is entered by lying down on one's back, raising one leg and grasping the big toe with the hand on the same side. The opposite leg is stretched straight out on the ground, and the opposite hand rests on the top of the thigh. A variant is to turn the leg outwards and allow it to sink towards the ground, keeping the hip and trunk level. Another variant, possible only with supple hamstrings, is to bring the raised leg forwards over the face, raising the head to touch the leg, and stretching the arm that is grasping the big toe back and up over the shoulder.[4][6]

If the back is stiff or the hamstrings are tight, the pose can be practised with a belt held in both hands looped over the foot.[1] The pose can also be practised with the vertical leg supported by a column or door frame, the other leg stretched out on the floor.[4]

References
  1. YJ Editors (28 August 2018). "Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose". Yoga Journal.
  2. "Supine Hand to Toe | supta padangusthasana". Yoga Basics. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  3. "Supine Hand to Toe | Supta Hasta Pādāṅguṣṭhāsana". Pocket Yoga. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  4. Mehta 1990, p. 88.
  5. "Primary Series Asana Names". Ashtanga Yoga Fairbanks. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  6. Iyengar 1979, pp. 244-246.

Sources
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