Asana Paschimottanasana

Compiled by: Trisha Lamb

Last Revised: April 18, 2006

International Association of Yoga Therapists P.O. Box 2513 • Prescott • AZ 86302 • Phone: 928-541-0004 E-mail: [email protected] • URL: www.iayt.org

The contents of this bibliography do not provide medical advice and should not be so interpreted. Before beginning any exercise program, see your physician for clearance.

Anderson, Sandra. 2 seated forward bends. Yoga International, Jan 2001, pp. 84-91. (ardha baddha padma paschimottanasana)

Desikachar, Kausthub. The Yoga of Vinyasa Krama: Pascimatana workshop. . 6th Annual Yoga Journal Convention, 27-30 Sep 2001, Estes Park, Colorado.

“When T. Krishnamacharya taught youngsters in the early 1930s, he introduced sequences of dynamic postures called ‘vinyasa karma.’ This workshop will look into understanding and experiencing sequences that lead to forward bends. For youth and teachers of young people.”

Dukes, Terry. Improving the head to feet stretch. Yoga Today, Feb 1981, 5(10):38-39.

Gharote, M. L. A comparative study of the four varieties of paschimatana. Yoga- Mimamsa, 1982, 20(4):59-66.

Gore, M. M., and M. V. Bhole. Heart rate during paschimotana and similar type of isometric and isotonic exercises—a comparison. Yoga-Mimamsa, 1982, 21(1&2):31-34.

______. Influence of paschimotan and similar type of muscular activity on pulse rate: A preliminary study. Yoga-Mimamsa, 1982, 21(1&2):21-30.

Hayes, Derek. Teacher education 6: The “correct” way to do asanas. Yoga Today, Dec 1981, 6(8):18-21. (Includes dhanurasana, salabhasana, bhujangasana, paschimotanasana, matsyendra, matsyasana, halasana, and sarvangasana)

Based on the British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Diploma regulations.

Heeney, Antoinette. Salabhasana and Paschimottanasana: For the beginner, the easy approach to some standard asanas. Yoga Today, Jul 1980, 5(3):32-34.

Lasater, Judith. Yogi beware: Hidden dangers can lurk within even the most familiar pose. Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb 2005, pp. 110-119.

Covers the safe practice of padmasana, paschimottanasana, marichyasana III, and chaturanga dandasana.

O’Reilly, Trish. Keeping it fresh. Yoga International, Aug/Sep 2001, pp. 82-89.

On sustaining “beginner’s mind” when doing asana practice in general, and also while doing bhujangasana, chakravakasana, dvipada pitham, paschimottanasana, shalabasana, tadasana, uttanasana, and vajrasana.

Paschimottanasana: La pinza. Yoga: Arte y Ciencia de Vida, 2(7):8-9. [In Spanish.]

Ramaswami, Srivatsa. Pascimatanam. In Srivatsa Ramaswami, Yoga for the Three Stages of Life: Developing Your Practice as an Art Form, a Physical Therapy, and a Guiding Philosophy. Rochester, Vt.: Inner Traditions International, 2000, pp. 156-164.

Rawlinson, Ian. The Desikachar Way: Lesson 3: The modified Paschimottanasana. Yoga Today, June 1981, 6(2):4-9.

Schumacher, John. Answers the question: “I have difficulty reaching my foot in extended-leg poses. Is it better to attempt reaching for my foot or to use a strap until am more comfortable with those positions?” Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb 2004, p. 36.

Thomas, Andrew. Yoga and cardiovascular function. The Journal of The International Association of Yoga Therapists, 1993, no. 4, pp. 39-41. (Discusses the effect on the heart of paschimottanasana.)

Walker, Melanie, Gregg Meekins, and Shu-Ching Hu. Yoga neuropathy: A snoozer. The Neurologist, May 2005, 11(3):176-178. Author email: [email protected].

Abstract: Sciatic nerve compression very rarely occurs bilaterally. The authors present a woman [on psychoactive medication] with profound lower extremity weakness and sensory abnormality after falling asleep in the head-to-knees yoga position (also called “Paschimottanasana”). Clinical and electrodiagnostic findings are discussed in detail and a brief review of the literature is presented.

From the article: Exercise-induced injuries are not uncommon, but some may have dramatic consequences. Patients in high-risk categories or those who are dependent on psychoactive medications should be counseled on the dangers that might be associated with their activities . . .

The practice of yoga by a person with an altered mental status is dangerous, more so than many other exercise regimens, because sustained postures may result in nerve compression and impairment. Physicians prescribing sedative or hypnotic medications should advise patients of the risks that are associated with otherwise benign activities like yoga. This report serves to illustrate the risk of overdosing routine medications, and the dangers that heavy sedation may present. Adjustments in medication dosage or timing, such as avoidance of sedating medications immediately prior to exercise, might prevent precarious situations and lead to less exercise-induced injury. Discussing side effects of medications and establishing regular follow-up for patients taking neuroactive medications cannot be overemphasized.