Notes
Rotation is automatic with side bending in the spine because of both the shape of the
articular facets in the vertebrae and the spiral pathways of the muscles. To keep the action
pure lateral flexion, the upper and lower ribs need to counterrotate in relation to each
other. In this case, the upper ribs rotate posteriorly and the lower ribs rotate anteriorly.
To achieve this, the internal obliques on the upper side and the external obliques on the
lower side are recruited.
Also, if tightness exists in the outside of the standing leg hip joint (in the tensor fasciae
latae, gluteus medius, or gluteus minimus), then that hip will try to flex rather than stay
purely adducted. The standing leg should maintain hip extension (via the adductor magnus
and hamstrings) to prevent this.
When there is tightness in the latissimus dorsi, lifting the arm overhead can push the
rib cage forward (compressing the floating ribs and inhibiting breath in general) or pull the
scapula downward even as the arm is lifting, potentially creating impingement of the biceps
brachii tendon or supraspinatus at the acromion process.
Breathing
Which side of the diaphragm moves more in this pose—the upper, lengthened side or
the lower, compressed side? Is the answer the same for both sides of your body? Explore.
Parighasana (continued)