Padangusthasana is likely one of the elementary asanas of Ashtanga Yoga. It’s a easy standing pose that includes a ahead bend. On account of its simplicity, this asana is appropriate for newcomers.
Padangusthasana stretches the physique from head to toe, participating many muscle mass. It helps launch built-up stress and might cut back physique ache. Together with its many advantages, this pose can be useful for individuals with flat ft.
In case you are beginning your yoga journey, Padangusthasana is an efficient pose to start with.
Which means
The time period Padangusthasana comes from Sanskrit. It’s made up of the next root phrases:
- In Sanskrit, pada means foot
- Angustha means large toe
- Asana means pose
Collectively, these phrases clarify the literal which means of the posture. It includes bending ahead and holding the massive toes with the fingers.

Nonetheless, in Bikram Yoga, Padangusthasana is completely different. In Bikram Yoga, it’s a balancing posture and one of many 26 poses. On this model of the Massive Toe Pose, the physique is balanced on the massive toes whereas sitting in a squat place.
Padangusthasana observe information
Observe the factors under to practise Padangusthasana simply and safely.
Precautions & contraindications
- Decrease again harm– Keep away from practising Padangusthasana if in case you have a decrease again harm. The pose provides a deep stretch to the backbone, and doing it with an current harm could improve ache.
- Neck injury- Don’t carry out this pose if in case you have a severe neck harm.
- Being pregnant– This pose just isn’t advisable throughout being pregnant, because it places strain on the decrease again and stomach.
- All the time practise the asana inside your physique’s limits. Don’t drive your self in a single try. Improve flexibility slowly and transfer deeper into the pose over time.
Preparatory poses
Find out how to do padangusthasana (steps by steps)
- Stand tall along with your ft about six inches aside.
- Straighten your legs, elevate the kneecaps, and place your fingers on the waist.
- Exhale and bend ahead from the hip joints, protecting the backbone and legs straight.
- Maintain the massive toes firmly utilizing the thumb, index, and center fingers. Maintain the palms going through one another.
- Maintain the arms straight and look ahead.
- Inhale and transfer the elbows outwards, stretching the shoulder blades.
- As you exhale, bend deeper and produce the pinnacle in the direction of the knees, gently pulling the physique in the direction of the toes.
- Breathe usually and maintain the pose for about 20 seconds.
- Inhale and elevate the pinnacle and chest midway up.
- Exhale and place the fingers again on the waist.
- Inhale and slowly come as much as a standing place, bringing the ft collectively.
Learners could discover it tough to carry the massive toes. In such instances, you may barely bend the knees or use a yoga strap for help till flexibility improves.
Observe up poses
Modifications & Variations
The bottom large toe pose could be modified to simplify it:
Utilizing yoga strap – A yoga strap can be utilized as a prop to change the pose. Make a loop out of the strap and place it beneath the arch for simply holding the pose with out bending knees.
These variations could be practiced together with Padangusthasana.
1. Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

After attaining padangusthasana absolutely, it is suggested to strive its superior variation, i.e. Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana. It’s carried out by standing upright, lifting, and stretching one leg to the facet. Then, attain the massive toe with the respective hand.
2. Standing Fireplace Hydrant Pose
Right here, after reaching the toes by each fingers (fingers) begin lifting one leg with the hand and stretch it to the facet, whereas preserve holding the other large toe. Maintain the fingers and legs straight whereas sustaining the pose.
Padangusthasana Advantages
Padangusthasana gently stretches the physique from the legs to the backbone, serving to launch stiffness and built-up stress. Common observe helps digestion, improves sleep, and calms the nervous system. Additionally it is useful for leg power, foot well being, and ladies’s consolation throughout hormonal modifications.

1. Gives flexibility: This pose provides a deep stretch to the calves and hamstrings. The entire physique feels lengthened whereas holding the posture, which helps enhance general flexibility.
2. Stimulates the stomach area: In the course of the ahead bend, the stomach muscle mass are gently pressed and activated. This helps higher digestion and improves the working of the digestive system.
3. Prompts the endocrine system: The ahead fold stimulates the pancreas, pineal, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. This helps preserve hormonal steadiness within the physique and helps general physique steadiness.
4. Stimulates reproductive organs: Padangusthasana helps the right functioning of the reproductive organs, together with the ovaries, uterus, and testes. This helps strengthen the reproductive system.
5. Helps with insomnia: The pose improves blood circulation to the mind, calms the nervous system, and prepares the physique for deep and restful sleep.
6. Reduces anxiousness and stress: The ahead bend improves blood circulation and boosts power ranges. Practised with mild respiration, it helps launch saved stress and reduces stress and anxiousness.
7. Offering aid throughout menstruation: Massive Toe Pose is useful for ladies with PMS. Common observe can cut back menstrual cramps and in addition ease signs of menopause.
8. Advantages the kidney, liver, and spleen: This asana gently stimulates the kidneys, liver, and spleen. It helps wholesome metabolism and helps preserve the immune system robust.
9. Strengthens and tones muscle mass: Common observe tones the hamstrings and calf muscle mass. The thighs and legs change into stronger and extra steady.
10. Helps with flat ft: The ft stay firmly grounded on this pose, which stretches and strengthens them. It helps develop the foot arch, improves strolling consolation, and reduces flat-foot points.
Conclusion
Start your yoga journey in the direction of a stress-free life with Padangusthasana. This pose is straightforward to practise and gives a number of variations to discover. Contemplating its many well being advantages, particularly for at present’s busy and hectic life-style, Padangusthasana is a pose price making an attempt.

