Hastauttanasana is a regular yoga pose and is part of the Surya Namaskar yoga posture. This is practiced in the second and the eleventh pose of the Sun Salutation procedure.<br /><br />Meaning :<br /><br />The name Hastauttanasana comes from the word hasta, which means hand in Sanskrit. Uttana means a stretch that is very intense and asana means posture. So the asana means a very intense stretch of the hand.<br /><br />History :<br /><br />The Hastauttanasana comes after the Pranamasana in the Surya namasakar procedure.<br /><br />Technique :<br /><br /> Hastauttanasana begins with standing in the Pranamasana pose.<br /> Take deep breaths and raise the hands upwards as far as possible.<br /> This helps in stretching the area in the abdomen and also relaxes the lung region.<br /> This is a very good asana, which improves back strength and also gives flexibility to the shoulders.<br /> Now bend the knees and move the hands behind.<br /> Try to bend behind but do not bend the knees.<br /> Take the hands behind thus aiding in relaxing the lungs.<br /> This is a very good pose for pregnancy as it helps in relaxing the entire body.<br /> Remain in this pose for some time and while you do this pose take the hands behind while inhaling and come out of the pose while exhaling.<br /> Move to the next pose while exhaling.<br /><br />Benefits :<br /><br /> The entire lobes in the lungs are filled with oxygen thus making you strong during pregnancy.<br /> The shoulders are strengthened and all problems related to pregnancy are cured.<br /> The abdomen stretches and the blood circulation improves with the help of Hastauttanasana<br /> Thyroid problems are cured and all other problems of obesity are also cured with the help of this Yoga pose.<br /><br />Caution :<br /><br />One must take care that if there are any restrictions for the pregnant woman then she should not perform this asana without medical guidance.<br /><br />Hastauttanasana is a very easy yoga pose, is a part of the Surya Namaskar routine, and is a good exercise during pregnancy.
