Description:

'Uttan' is a Sanskrit term which means intense stretch. Hence, this is the Yoga posture which involves the maximum amount of stretching among all the other Yoga postures.



English Name: Standing Forward Bend



Procedure:

1. Stand on the floor with your head, neck and spine straight. Look forward and breathe normally. Keep your hands on the respective hips. Join your heels and feet together.

2. Start exhaling and slowly bend yourself forward, not from your waist but from your hip joints.

3. Try and keep your knees straight. Bring your palms and finger tips down so that it touches the floor.

4. Now slowly press your heels firmly on the ground and retain this posture for 30 seconds to 1 minute.



Benefits:

1. Acts as a stress buster and calms down your brain.

2. It strengthens your knees and thighs.

3. This asana helps you to stretch your arms, hips and calves.

4. It also reduces anxiety and fatigue.

5. Relieves you from chronic headaches and insomnia.

6. Relieves you from all kind of symptoms related to menopause.

7. Uttanasana stimulates the liver and the kidneys.



Contradictions:

If you are suffering from any kind of back injury or have undergone a major surgery, then do consult your physician before practicing this asana.