Standing Separate-Leg Stretching Pose: Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana

Purposes and Benefits:

• Boosts circulation to brain and to adrenal glands
• Cures and prevents sciatica
• Increases flexibility of bottom 5 vertebrae
• Improves functioning of most internal abdominal organs, especially small and large intestines
• Enhances flexibility and muscle tone of ankles, calves, thighs, pelvis, and hip joints
• Mitigates diseases of nervous system and effects of constipation, diabetes, and hyperacidity
• Reduces abdominal obesity
• Releases lower back
• Exercises adrenal, muscular, and reproductive systems
• May alleviate depression

How to Do:

• Take a step (4 feet or more) to your right (wider stance = easier stretch)
• Move feet increasingly closer (NOTE: if touching your forehead to the floor between your legs is easy, then use small steps; the higher the difficulty, the larger your steps)
• Keep spine straight for as long as possible
• Grab bottom of heels when they’re within reach, and then use arms to pull yourself farther down