Threading Needle Pose
PARSVASANA
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE
This pose is a combination forward bend and twisting. You’ll likely experience a stretch in the side body, neck and possibly even face. You may notice that one side is more flexible than the other. Take the time to experience the difference and be mindful of the areas of tension. As with all poses, you’ll notice increased flexibility with time and practice.
BENEFITS
- Calms the central nervous system.
- Reduces stress and tension.
- Great warm-up for the shoulders, neck and spine.
- Great for people with neck, arm and shoulder pain.
PREPPING FOR THE POSE
This pose can be practiced on its own, you’ll notice even greater results if practiced on a “warm body”. Poses to help you achieve that would be:
- Cat/Cow Sequence
- Side Angle Stretch
PROPS & VARIATIONS
Props are very important to a practice. They are made to assist in correct postures, and assist in injury prevention. Please use them if necessary.
GETTING INTO IT
Feel this stretch on your side body(internal/external obliques, glutes, and mid/low back).
- Begin in child’s pose with arms extended in front.
- Look up and place your right hand parallel to your head.
- Inhale slide your left hand underneath(to your body’s capacity).
- Twist your upper-body to look underneath your right arm.
- Stay here several breaths before returning to child’s pose.
- Complete on the opposite side.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Is one side more flexible than the other?