Uttanpadasana (Raised leg pose)

Uttanpadasana (Raised leg pose)

In Sanskrit “Ut” means “lift”, “tan” means “stretch”, “pad” means “leg”, “Uttana” means “to raise”. The English name is “Raised leg pose”.

Position : Supine

Type : Back Strengthening

Spiritual Awareness : Swadisthan Chakra
Physical Awareness : Pelvis, hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs, legs

Dosha Suitability : Pita

Introducery Asanas : Eka pada Uttanpadasana

Procedure:

Begin this pose by coming to a supine position with your back on the ground. Both your feet and knees should be kept together and your breathing should be normal.
Exhale and while breathing in, slowly raise the legs to 90 degree angle from the door without jerk. Do not raise the shoulders from the ground. Breathe normally in the final position and hold for few seconds. The upper body, arms, and face are to be relaxed.
Do not bend the knee or lift the lower body or buttocks from the floor.
During the final position, your legs should be kept straight with the toes pointed to the ceiling and you should move them down and up slowly while concentrating on your lower abdomen.
Head is kept straight and eyesight to be fixed on the raised toes.
Arms are kept straight and eyesight to be fixed on the raised toes.
While releasing, inhale and while exhaling slowly lower the legs back to the supine position. Relax and breathe normally.

Spotlight effects: Sides of the torso, pelvic rergion, back of the legs.

Follow-up Poses: Sarvangasana

Physical Benefits of Uttanpadasana (Raised leg pose):

Tones and strengthens the pelvis, hips, lower back, abdomen, legs and also the perineum muscles.
Reduces weight in the lower abdomen, thighs and hips. This pose is also considered an excellent exercise for the lower abs.
Raised foot pose is also recommended for women who have given birth recently and want to reduce weight without doing too much exercise tiring themselves.
Pregnant women can practice this pose carefully in the third trimester against back pain. If you find it difficult to lift your legs up you can perform this posture against a wall and relax the back.
This posture is excellent for athletes as it gives balance and strength to the body.
The pose is said to improve the functioning of the digestive system and provide relief to problems of indigestion and other stomach-related disorders.
Uttanpadasana also helps improve the circulation of blood to the lymph nodes and joints.
The raised foot pose is believed to be effective in boosting the health of the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines.
Since the pose is an intestine spinal stretch, it also helps correct back problems.

Therapeutic Benefits:

The pose can worsen back problems if not done correctly. It is therefore best to speak with your doctor if you have any underlying injuries or medical conditions.
It stimulates Swadisthan chakra.
It works on improving sexuality and balances the hormones.
It helps in the activation of the nervous system.
The vertical position of the legs helps to improve the blood circulation.

Precautions and Contraindications:

If you begin to experience discomfort release from the pase.
You could also make use of a wall to rest your legs on, if you have difficulty in lifting your legs up.
Make sure to avoid bending the knees and lifting the buttocks or lower back to avoid any straining.
Contraindicated for lower back ache, high BP, people recovering from injury to the spine, and during menstruation.

Top Related Post