Upward Hand Pose - Urdhva Hastasana
Contents
Upward Hand Pose, Palm Tree Pose, or Urdhva Hastasana in Sanskrit, is considered a base pose as Urdhva Hastasana variations can be derived from this pose. Upward Hand Pos helps boost energy in the body and hence can be included in flow yoga sequences. This pose is considered a warm-up yoga pose to prepare the body for more intense yoga poses or yoga flows.
Pose Detail
- Difficulty: Beginners
- By Type: Chest Opening Yoga Poses, Shoulder Opening Yoga Poses
- Body Position: Standing Yoga Poses
Step-by-Step Instructions
Benefits and Contraindications
Stretches the belly
Improves digestion
Stretches the shoulders and armpits
Helps relieve mild anxiety
Avoid the raised arms in this pose with shoulder or neck injuries.
Photo poses in different angles
Modifications, Props and Tips
If you have any neck problems, do not tilt your head to look up at your thumbs. Instead, keep your gaze level. You may not be able to raise your arms over your head if you have a shoulder or neck injury. In that case, you might instead remain in Mountain Pose.
Pregnant women and those with balance issues should keep a wider stance, whatever feels most stable.
To achieve good posture, practice the pose with your back to a wall so you can feel the alignment as each part of your body stacks up straight.
Place a block between your thighs. Squeeze the block and roll it slightly backward to feel the engagement and rotation of the thighs, including a broadening of the sit bones. Then remove the block and try to replicate the action of rotating the thighs inward.
Up for a Challenge?
Take this posture into a backbend. Imagine your spine draping over a beach ball as you lean back. Let the neck hang back if that’s comfortable. Eventually, you may be able to drop all the way back to Wheel Pose. Practice this near a wall at first, using your hands on the wall to work your way down to the floor.
- Bound Fingers Pose
- Palm Tree Pose On Tiptoes
- Half Cow Face Pose arms
- Mountain Pose
