Gate Pose
Parighasana
What is Gate Pose?
Gate pose, or parighasana in Sanskrit, is an important side-bending posture that builds spinal flexibility. From a kneeling posture, one leg is stretched out to the side. The yogi reaches the opposite arm overhead and toward the extended leg, opening the side body.
Instructions
- Begin kneeling.
- Exhale and stretch the right leg out to the side.
- Inhale and reach the arms out to the sides.
- Exhale and reach the left arm up, overhead and to the right, opening the side body. Rest the right hand on the right leg.
- Breathe while holding the pose. Inhale and return to center. Change sides.
Cautions
- No known cautions
Benefits of Gate Pose
- Stretches the hips, groins and shoulders
- Improves digestion
- Opens the chest and lungs
- Increases spinal flexibility
Gate Pose Details
- Sanskrit Name
- Parighasana
- Pronunciation
- par-ee-GHAH-sah-nah
- Pose Level
- Beginner
- Drishti
- Urdhva (Toward the sky)
- Pose Type
- Chest Openers, Hip Openers
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