Starting Position:
Standing

Concentration:
on the tip of the thumb

Breath:
coordinated with movement and held in the position

Repetitions:
3 times to each side

Practice:
Stand with legs wide apart. Right foot points to the front and left foot outward to the side. Turn the head to the left. The upper body remains facing the front. >Straighten left arm sideways to shoulder height and form a fist with the hand with the thumb stretched upward. >Select a fixed point along the extended line of the arm and bring the tip of the left thumb so that it is in alignment with this. During the following movement the gaze is always directed towards the tip of the left thumb. >Form a fist with the right hand with thumb stretched upward. Bring the right hand towards the left hand so the right thumb hides the left thumb. >Inhaling slowly draw the right hand back towards the right ear as if tensing a bow. During this movement the elbows remain at shoulder height. >Retain the breath for a short while in this position. >Exhaling slowly move right hand again towards left hand, until right thumb is again in front of left thumb. >Coordinate with the breath and repeat the arm movement slowly, with great concentration 3 times. >Come back to starting position and repeat the exercise on the other side.

Benefits:
Helps prevent and improve a rounded back. Stretches and opens the muscles of the chest, while strengthening the shoulder, arm and back muscles. Encourages healthy, deep breathing. The Asana is of great benefit for asthma and bronchitis. It encourages concentration and improves poor vision.

Asana is included in the following categories:
Asanas and Exercises to Relax the Eyes and Improve Eyesight
Asanas and Exercises to Stretch the Thoracic Spine and Counteract a Rounded Back
Asanas and Exercises to Strengthen the Lungs and Deepen the Breath
Asanas and Exercises to Improve Concentration