Parvatasana

Parvata means a mountain. This asana is also known as "Viyogasana", because it involves a special technique of yoga. Only healthy persons should practice this asana. The reference of this asana is not found in any traditional text so far, but has been practiced since a very long time.

Technique of Parvatasana :

• Sit erect in Padmasana.
• Form a firm finger lock.
• Inhaling, stretch the arms with the finger lock vertically above the head without raising the seat and knees.
• Exhale.
• Inhaling again, stretch your arms upwards from the shoulder blades and stretch the trunk to the maximum without moving from your seat.
• Maintain this posture, holding your breath.
• Exhaling, resume the starting position.

Benefits of this asana :

• As both the arms are kept vertically up in this asana, the "Prana" is sublimated.
• This makes spine flexible.
• Visceroptosis and pain in backbone is removed.
• This asana gives sufficient exercise to the muscles of the arms.
• It is beneficial in constipation and removes seminal weakness.
• If Suryabheda pranayama or Anuloma-Viloma pranayama is practiced for fifteen minutes before performing this asana, the lungs, the abdomen and the spine become strong and healthy.

Precautions :

• Those, who cannot practice Padmasana, can practice it in standing, stretched legs or Vajrasana.
• Those having complaints of reeling sensation should not practice it.