Noose Pose
Pasasana
This position, suitable for intermediate and advanced students, is described in the Full Pose section below. First we'll look at a simpler version of this twist, using the wall as a prop.
(posh-AHS-anna)
pasa = a snare, trap, noose, tie, bond, cord, fetter
Step by Step
Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) next to a wall with your feet hip-width and parallel to each other. Ideally, you will stand forearm distance from the wall. So, as you stand in Tadasana with the wall on your right side, turn to the right and press your right palm into the wall-from wrist to elbow, your forearm should be parallel to the ground. Adjust your distance to the wall accordingly and turn your torso back to center.
Bend your knees into a full squat, with your buttocks sitting on your heels. If you're not able to get the heels fully on the floor, squat with the heels raised on a thickly folded blanket or sandbag.
Swing your knees slightly to the left. As you exhale, turn your torso to the right and press both hands into the wall. As your left hand presses into the wall, the elbow should press against the outside of your right knee. Support the pose by using your right hand for leverage-the right hand will be high and the left hand will be low. For the full pose, it's necessary to close any space between the left side of the torso and the tops of the thighs. So work the back of the left arm down the leg, moving the back of the left shoulder toward the outside of the right knee.
Press the knee and arm (or shoulder) firmly against each other. Use this pressure to lengthen the left side of your torso out of the inner groins, sliding it along the tops of the thighs. There's a tendency in these deep twists to harden the belly, so try to keep your belly soft.
Keep the right hand on the wall or bring the palms together with the elbows angled sharply away from each other. Use the pressure of the palms to increase the twist.
Stay in this pose for 30 seconds to a minute. Release the twist with an exhalation, then repeat for the same length of time to the left.
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Anatomical Focus
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Arches
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Thighs
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Knees
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Ankles
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Abdomen
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Hips
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Chest
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Shoulders
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Spine
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Intestines
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Kidneys
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Liver
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Bladder
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Uterus
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Therapeutic Applications
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Asthma
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Mild back, shoulder, and neck tension
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Indigestion
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Flatulence
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Menstrual discomfort
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Sciatica
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Benefits
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Stretches and strengthens the ankles
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Stretches the thighs, groins, and spine
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Opens the chest and shoulders
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Stimulates the abdominal organs
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Improves digestion and elimination
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Improves posture
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Contraindications and Cautions
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Avoid deep squats with any knee injury
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Lower-back injury
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Herniated disk
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Variations
For the full pose, perform steps 1 through 3 as described above. Then snug the knee into the armpit, bend the elbow, and swing the forearm around the front of the shins. Position the hand just to the outside of the same-side shin. Then exhale and sweep the other arm behind the back. Grasp the top hand (or wrist) with the bottom hand.
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Modifications and Props
Beginning students often aren't able to easily squat for Pasasana. It's possible though to learn the rudiments of this pose while sitting on a chair. Sit near the front edge of the seat. Press the left hand to the outside of the right knee and twist to the right. You can push the right hand against the chair back to help lift the spine and improve the twist. After a few breaths, if this position is relatively comfortable, lean slightly forward and press the left forearm to the knee. Again wait for a few breaths and, if possible, lay the left side of the torso down near the top thighs and press the left elbow to the knee. Press the palms firmly and evenly against each other. Hold for a few breaths, untwist the torso and lift up with an inhalation. Repeat to the left for the same length of time.
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Partnering
A partner can help you deepen the twist. Squat near a wall, so that you are twisting away from the wall. In this example you will be twisting to the right and the wall will be to your left side. Have your partner sit on the floor on your right side. Perform steps 1 and 2 as described above. Have your partner put his soles on your outer thigh to brace you, then take hold of your left wrist. He should gently pull on your wrist and arm, helping you to move the back of the left shoulder closer to the right knee.
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Deepen The Pose
To increase the twist, use the bottom arm (the one wrapped around the legs) to pull down on the top arm.
