Parsva Uttanasana has the literal meaning of sideways extension. As it means in Sanskrit, Parsva meaning sideways, and uttan which means extension. This position consists of the person facing forwards and sideways while bending down. This is also known as a famous stretch for many different runners, as well as the pyramid position.

These techniques are known for the ability to maintain a balancing posture throughout the entire body while deeply stretching the back of the legs. This position has an overall improvement of the person’s balancing ability, mental functions, as well as the overall circulation of the body. The Parsvottanasana is started by standing in another asana. While standing in Tadasana, move your legs apart, keeping your feet parallel and your heels in line with each other. Then turn your left foot at a 45-degree angle and your right foot at a 90-degree angle. At this point you should turn your body to the right without adjusting your feet. You should be facing squarely to the side with your shoulders poised over your hips. Your body weight should be distributed evenly over both legs with knees locked for extra stability. When you get into this position, inhale and raise your arms forward alongside your ears. Hold this pose for two to four complete breaths. After the last exhalation, bend down forward to the halfway table top position. Hold for four exhalations and then move into the full forward bend. Place your hands either on or alongside your right leg. Hold this for three to twelve exhalations. To recover form this pose, inhale and reverse the steps followed into the position. Now repeat the steps for the left side.

This asana is very effective. It stretches and strengthens the legs, hips and abdomen. It tones the liver and spleen and improves digestion. It also cools the mind and relaxes the nerves. The Parsva Uttanasana helps relieve arthritis of the neck, elbow, shoulder and wrist pain. It also helps with menstrual pain.