Reclining Big Toe Pose aka Supta Padangusthasana is a wonderful gentle hamstring stretch. Be sure not to crunch your shoulders and try to keep the legs active.
Pose Summary
Steps
Step 1
Begin lying on your back with the legs extended out and your arms alongside your body.
Step 2
On an exhale, bend the right knee and hug it into the chest. The left leg stays extended on the ground. Loop the strap around the right foot and grab one end with each hand.
Step 3
On an exhale, straighten the leg up to the sky. Reach through the right heel, flex the right toes and lift through the ball of the right big toe.
Step 4
The back, neck and hips stay rooted in the earth.
Step 5
Firmly but not forcefully keep drawing down on the strap and allow the thigh bone to settle into its socket. Relax the pelvis and let the back sink into the earth.
Step 6
The shoulder blades root into the earth. Broaden through the collarbones.
Step 7
Soften the gaze to your right big toe.
Step 8
To release Reclining Big T0e Pose, gently let go of the strap, hug the right knee back into the body and then extend back out. Repeat on the other side.
Benefits
- Stretches the hamstrings, hips, groin, and calves
- Therapeutic for sciatica, flat feet, high blood pressure and infertility
- Promotes digestion
- Stimulates prostate glands
- Encourages relaxation
Contraindications
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- High blood pressure