Sitting Forward Bend

Physical Benefits:

• Restores flexibility to leg and back muscles
• Helps in correcting exaggerated lower back curve
• Helps to regulate pancreas
• Tones the digestive organs
• Stretches all muscles from toe to neck

Process:

• Sit up straight. Keep your legs straight and together with toes pointing upward.
• Stretch both your arms up parallel to your ears and stretch your spine upwards as much as possible.
• Retain the stretch and pull your abdomen in. Exhale and fold forward from the pelvis leading with the chest.
• Keep your back straight and bend forward till your hands reach your shins, or ankles or feet. Stretch your head and spine as much as possible.
• Keep your elbows, neck and shoulders relaxed. Breathe slowly and deeply.
• Pull your toes towards your head.
• After this becomes comfortable, try to bring your abdomen close to your thighs while still keeping your knees straight.

Counterpose of Sitting Forward Bend:

• Inclined Plane

Tridoshas link:

• Vata - This asana will help Vata people manage their fidgety nature.
• Pitta - It can be challenging because pitta prakruti people often have tight hamstrings.
• Kapha - This is especially beneficial to Kapha dominant people.

References:

Primary Reference: Practical Ayurveda - Fing out who you are and what you need to bring balance to your life - Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre - Pg 144-145