Yoga BLOG

Pashasana: The Noose of Samsara

by Nick on Feb 28 2017
Pashasana: The Noose of Samsara Pashasana (sometimes also "Pasasana") is a continuation of the word "pasha," which means "rope," "fetter," "noose," or "trap." "Asana," on the other hand, means "posture," "seat," or "position." The term is therefore used for anything that is intended to bind the soul and thus binds oneself to the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Pashasana is a pose in which the body is formed into a loop. To achieve this "loop of rebirth," the arms are wrapped around the legs and back. Performing the Loop of Samsara This exercise is especially recommended for advanced practitioners. When performing the pose, ensure that you reach the looped position slowly. Breathing should also be considered with each step, and this becomes important not only in the final Pashasana pose. Inhale after each movement listed here, then exhale with the subsequent movement. At the beginning of the exercise, raise your arms to the sides, spread your fingers, and point them toward the floor. Inhale and then exhale. Squat down and try to find your balance. In the squatting position, lower your feet. Your bottom is now off the floor, and your knees are pointing towards the ceiling. Now reach around your knees with your right arm and cross them so that your right arm is touching your outer right thigh. You can tell if the twisting movement is correct when the outside of your hand touches the outside of your thigh. This means that your arm, including your shoulder, is turned very far. During this phase, you can use your left arm to support yourself so that you don't lose your balance while squatting. After inhaling and exhaling several times, you can then move into the final Pashasana pose. To do this, raise your left arm, which has been supporting you so far, and bring it behind your back towards your right arm, which is still in contact with your thigh. The goal is for both hands to touch, so that you are essentially "shaking hands." For this to work, your left arm must also be twisted widely. Your entire upper body automatically moves to your left. Your chest will then rest next to your left leg. In this position, you can then grasp each other's wrists. You are now in the final Pashasana pose, and you should inhale and exhale at least five times, find yourself, and feel the active stretch in your torso, arms, and legs. Make sure you don't lose your balance as your hands connect. To increase the tension, you can also turn your head and look toward the ceiling. This will create additional tension in your neck. Practice the loop or Pashasana step by step Because this is an advanced exercise, you should practice it step by step. The goal isn't to force yourself to the point of painfully spraining yourself or pulling a nerve. If the full loop doesn't work right away, you can also work your way up to the final pose by gradually working through several partial exercises. Pashasana is said to have a therapeutic effect on back pain. So, if you suffer from tension or localized pain in the back and neck area, it may be able to alleviate it. Painful tension in the shoulders may also be relieved. Furthermore, Pashasana may have positive effects on digestive problems, asthma, or menstrual cramps. This exercise could also provide short- to medium-term relief from bloating. Image © fizkes / 123rf.com