Hands to Feet (Pada Hastasana)
from http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/

A variation of the Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), the Hands to Feet Pose (Pada Hastasana) improves flexibility of your spine, strengthens your legs, enhances digestion, and aids in blood circulation in your head. Take note that this pose is not advisable for people who have spinal problems. Learn how to perform this pose with the help of the steps below.


Hands to Feet Step 1

STEP 1: Start with the Mountain Pose.

Hands to Feet Step 2

STEP 2: As you inhale, raise your arms above your head.

Hands to Feet Step 3

STEP 3: Bend forward until your hands touch your feet.

Hands to Feet Step 4

STEP 4: Slowly bend further so that your belly is touching your upper legs. Grasp your toes and breathe deeply in the pose.

When you have grabbed your ankles or toes, use a slight stretching force to lengthen the body. With the pull from the hands, move your belly to your upper legs and prevent your chest to sink and lose the supportive power of the lower back during the exercise.

Be careful! You perform this forward bend through relaxation and not through brute force by pulling your feet with too much physical strength. When you pull too hard, the body stiffens, your thinking and breathing become affected and worst of all, you run a risk of injuring yourself.