Rosa Santana
Parsvottanasana means intense stretch pose to the side. This is a really great pose to get to know your body and its imbalances! It’s the perfect pose that connects and can improve other poses. Many times, when I studied with Geeta Iyengar, she would have us work in this pose. She used to say this was an important pose. Over the years, this pose has brought me great understanding in Dog pose, and many of the asymmetrical poses. Having one side that is so firm and strong, and perhaps another that is less elastic, makes for an interesting inward inquiry.
Physically, the pose makes the legs, hips, spine, wrists and shoulders more elastic. When the head is down, the abdominal organs are toned. This pose is also great for improving postural defects. When the shoulders are drawn well back, breathing is improved.