Parsvottanasana Variation
With Spine Flexed
Parsvottanasana (continued)
E5267/Kaminoff/fig 6.31B/421790/JG/R1Notes
In this variation on parsvottanasana, the intention is to bring the forehead to the knee rather
than along the shin. To do this action the spine must flex very deeply, and there is less
hip flexion than in the previous version. This action can be surprisingly difficult for people
accustomed to forward bending from hip flexion rather than spinal flexion.
The shoulders are also more fully flexed, bringing them higher overhead, and adducted
to bring the palms together. Rather than the palms resting on the floor, the fingertips reach
out along the floor, sliding the little fingers away from the foot. Because the hands are not
on the floor to either side of the foot, balancing in this pose is more challenging, though
there is a clearer sense of midline with the hands pressing together.