Starting Position:
Sit with legs straight

Concentration:
on the balance of the body

Breath:
coordinated with movement and held in the position

Repetitions:
3 times to each side

Practice:
From the starting position turn the body onto the right side. Legs extend straight with left leg on top of right. The left hand rests on the left thigh. Place the right hand beneath the shoulder to support the body. Keep the arm straight and at right angles to the floor. >Relax the body and concentrate on a fixed point in front. >Inhaling raise the hips as high as possible from the floor. Legs remain straight. Rest the left arm across the back and slowly raise the left leg. Head, upper body and legs form a line. >Holding the breath remain in this position. >Exhaling return to the starting position.

Practice this exercise on the other side.

Benefits:
Regulates and balances the whole body, especially the nervous system. Strengthens the wrists, arms, legs and muscles along the side of the body and hips. Counters a sideways curvature of the spine. Improves the ability to concentrate and balance.

Caution:
Avoid this Asana with injuries to the wrists, elbows or shoulder joints.

Asana is included in the following categories:
Asanas and Exercises to Improve Poor Posture and Scoliosis
Asanas and Exercises to Strengthen Arms and Shoulders
Asanas and Exercises to Strengthen the Hip Muscles
Asanas and Exercises to Improve Balance