Links to Related Resources & Longer Articles:

• A sample Parivṛtti and Paścimatāna Themed Group Practice
• cYs Practitioner Training Programme Retreat Extract 1 – Self Planning & Self Practice
• In exploring the links between Āsana and the Breath and Prāṇāyāma…
• Laṅghana Kriyā has two functional dimensions…
• Question to Krishnamacharya – “Can you explain the concept of Vinyāsa and Pratikriyā Āsana?”
• The breath can be a key to unlocking the mystery of the relationship……
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 1 Samasthiti
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 2 Tāḍāsana
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 3 Uttānāsana
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 4 Utkaṭāsana

Collated Related Short Posts & Quotes:

“By observing how the breath responds in Āsana i.e.
Forward Bending.
Backward Bends.
Lying Postures.
Inverted Postures.
Twist Poses.
As to whether there is a better quality in
either inhalation or exhalation, one can
decide how to proceed in Prāṇāyāma.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978

“Bhāvana on Forward Bending and the
role of the Abdomen, when moving into
Paścimatāna Āsana such as Uttānāsana.
In terms of Kinesiological, Physiological or
Energetic criteria. Better to move forward
pulling back from the abdomen, rather than
pushing forwards from the lower back.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

– Forward Bending and the Role of the Arms
“When moving out of Paścimatāna Āsana such as Uttānāsana.
Focus on the arms bringing the back up.
Rather than the back bringing the arms up.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“When bending towards the lower limbs during forward bend Āsana,
move firstly by as if rounding from the lower back,
before ultimately rounding from the upper back.
In terms of a Bhāvana during the movement,
the focus is on exhaling from Apāna Sthāna towards Prāṇa Sthāna.
Thus breathing as if from the lower abdomen towards the upper chest.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“When moving away from the lower limbs during forward bend Āsana,
move firstly by as if arching from the arms and upper back,
before ultimately arching from the lower back.
In terms of a Bhāvana during the movement,
the focus is on inhaling from Prāṇa Sthāna towards Apāna Sthāna.
Thus breathing as if from the upper chest towards the lower abdomen.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Forward Bends are back stretching Āsana in terms of Bhāvana.
Thus in Paścimatāna Āsana one of the foci is on avoiding pushing
from the lower back as you bend forward.
Thus move forward from the abdominal area by drawing it back,
to encourage the lower back to respond by lengthening.
If we push from the lower back in forward bends,
such as Paścimatānāsana, it can tighten this area,
thus inhibiting the focus on the quality of the Apāna Lakṣaṇa,
as well as transferring stress to the sacrum, hips and hamstrings.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Uttānāsana is an intense standing forward bend.
It is often used to begin a sequence of Āsana.
Its use can improve mobility in the primary joints
and extend muscles, primarily on the back of the body.
Its form respects the movements adapted in daily life.
The use of an intense closing Āsana implies
some cautions in the stretched areas of the body,
such as the lower back, sacrum, hips and legs.
The awareness can be placed on the abdomen
leading to a longer, smoother exhalation and
counterbalancing, with this inner work, the
physical effort required by its dynamic approach.
There are a number of adaptations to support
the student experiencing a feeling of melding
between the energetic flow of the movement
and the depth and stillness of the breath.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Uttānāsana is an intense standing forward bend.
It is often used to begin a sequence of Āsana.
Its use can improve mobility in the primary joints
and extend muscles, primarily on the back of the body.
Its form respects the movements adapted in daily life.
The use of an intense closing Āsana implies
some cautions in the stretched areas of the body,
such as the lower back, sacrum, hips and legs.
The awareness can be placed on the abdomen
leading to a longer, smoother exhalation and
counterbalancing, with this inner work, the
physical effort required by its dynamic approach.
There are a number of adaptations to support
the student experiencing a feeling of melding
between the energetic flow of the movement
and the depth and stillness of the breath.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“When working with Paścimatāna Āsana,
such as Uttānāsana, or Parśva Uttānāsana,
or Paścimatānāsana, or Janu Śīrṣāsana.
Keep the arms held up as you exhale down,
releasing and lowering them lightly at the end.
Lifting the arms first as you inhale up and
leading from the arms until upright again.
Activate the abdomen as you exhale down,
retaining a degree of tone as you complete.
This helps in maintaining the effort to keep the
abdomen activated as you inhale and lift up.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Janu Śīrṣāsana, known as the head to knee Āsana,
combines the qualities of a seated forward bend with
those of an asymmetrical pose, in that it works first,
on one side of the body more, then on the other side.
In this Āsana, the physical focus is on the lengthening
of the muscles of the back, spine and the extended leg,
and the rotational effects on the joints in the folded leg.
Plus, with its seated forward bend Bhāvana, there is
a natural support favouring the exhalation, offering
opportunities to both lengthen and deepen the breath.
This support, along with its  internalising and closing
qualities, offers possibilities for the student to focus on
the quality of the attention within the form of the body.
Thus, using Janu Śīrṣāsana with its seated forward bend
Bhāvana, and when linked with a mindful breath, can help
the student to experience the deeper function of the Āsana,
even if there are limitations with regard to its Śikṣaṇa form.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Janu Śīrṣāsana, known as the head to knee Āsana,
combines the qualities of a seated forward bend with
those of an asymmetrical pose, in that it works first,
on one side of the body more, then on the other side.
In this Āsana, the physical focus is on the lengthening
of the muscles of the back, spine and the extended leg,
and the rotational effects on the joints in the folded leg.
Plus, with its seated forward bend Bhāvana, there is
a natural support favouring the exhalation, offering
opportunities to both lengthen and deepen the breath.
This support, along with its  internalising and closing
qualities, offers possibilities for the student to focus on
the quality of the attention within the form of the body.
Thus, using Janu Śīrṣāsana with its seated forward bend
Bhāvana, and when linked with a mindful breath, can help
the student to experience the deeper function of the Āsana,
even if there are limitations with regard to its Śikṣaṇa form.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers

“Which Āsana support the
principle of Mūla Bandha?
To stop the Mūla dropping,
as in Paścimatāna drawing
the Mūla towards Maṇipūra.”
– 108 Mudrā Practice Pointers

“Āsana which lengthen the back of the body
are at the service of the Recaka
and the Bāhya Kumbhaka.”
– 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers