Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana (Upward facing intense stretch)
Video courtesy: Ventunotech.com
Practice
of Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana
Exhale: Lie on the back. Bring the legs straight over the head. Grab
the outside of the feet, as in a, or bend the knees,
Inhale: Roll up and balance on the seat bones, holding the
outside of the feet. Bring your chest towards the thighs, or hold the legs with
the hands, stay here for 5 long deep
breaths
Exhale: Lower the legs down.
Urdhva
Mukha Paschimottanasana Benefits
1. Lengthens leg muscles, can help relieve backaches, and
prevent hernia.
2. As in Paschimottanasana/forward fold, helps tone
kidneys, and abdominal organs.
3. Stretches the hamstrings on the back of the legs
4. Stretches and lengthens the entire spine
5. Massages the internal organs, especially the digestive
organs
6. Relieves digestive problems such as constipation
7. Relieves problems with sciatica
8. Invigorates the nervous system
9. Stimulates manipura chakra (solar plexus center)
10. Balances the prana within the body
11. Calms the mind
12. Improves concentration
Courtesy: mylifemystuff.wordpress.com