Parivrtta Parsvakonasana Yoga Pose (Revolved Side Angle Pose)



Information on Yoga Asana Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Yoga Pose) Meaning & Uses


Parivrtta Parsvakonasana is an important yoga posture that can be easily performed by both the gender and all age group with perfection. It is popularly known as Revolved Side Angle pose. The unique name of this posture is derived from the Sanskrit language words, parivrtta means "to turn around" or "revolve", parsva means "side" or "flank", kona means "angle" plus asana means "posture". This particular asana is regarded as one of the difficult standing postures to practice.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Steps / Instructions / Procedure

Follow the following steps in order to perform Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose -

  1. Initially begin this asana by placing your right foot forward then bend your knee at about 90 degrees, plus kneel with your left knee without loosing the balance.

  2. Then slow and steadily bring your left upper arm or left elbow over your right knee.

  3. Do move your right hand very close to your hips.

  4. Now, place both palms in the position of prayer.

  5. Then make an upward motion directly out of the lower back. Hence, that the elbow presses slightly upward against your right knee plus you no longer even lean on your legs.

  6. Do stretch your back by putting some counter direct pressure with your arm just against the knee.

  7. Then, move your shoulder blades backwards

  8. Do turn to the right with your upper body.

  9. Now, straighten your left leg backwards.

  10. Place your left hand on the ground plus align your right arm with your left leg.

  11. At this particular position, your right arm plus left leg must form a diagonal line.

  12. Do try to perfectly stretch your neck

  13. Now, breathe towards the breast bone.

  14. Try to twist from the lower shoulder blade which directly steers on the twist.

  15. Do repeat this exercise on the other side with perfection.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Anatomical Focus

The posture largely emphasizes alignment of the head, hands, spine, hips and legs.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Therapeutic Applications

The therapeutic applications of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose are related to Constipation, Osteoporosis, Infertility, Sciatica and Low backache.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Medical Health Benefits

There are several benefits of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose. There are few of them as follows -

  1. It perfectly strengthens plus stretches groin, legs, ankles, knees and hamstrings.

  2. It opens the shoulders and chest.

  3. It stretches the shoulders, chest and lungs.

  4. It stimulates abdominal organs

  5. It increases stamina.

  6. It improves digestion.

  7. It aids elimination

  8. It improves whole body balance

  9. It strengthens the feet.

  10. It tones the outer and inner muscles of the legs.

  11. It perfectly opens the hips and hip flexors.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Contraindications and Cautions

Those who are suffering from headache, insomnia and High or low blood pressure shouldn't practice Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose. In case, if you are suffering from any type of neck problems then don't turn your head directly to look at the top arm. You can look down at the ground or look straight ahead with the both sides of the neck evenly lengthened. If you are suffering with pelvis or hip injury then totally avoid this asana. Do keep both feet very strong and rooted to the floor so that you don't loose your whole body balance in any circumstance and situation in the practice session.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Beginner's Tip

It is to be remembered that beginners have difficulty often in maintaining their whole body balance in this particular posture, in a special manner with the back heel lifted off the ground. In order to improve your whole body balance, do perfectly support your heel, either by rightly standing it on a thick book or sandbag, or by bracing it just against a solid wall.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Variations

With modified Salutation Seal or Anjali Mudra, you can perform this particular posture with your hands. Without straightening the arms, slow and steadily press the bent elbow just against the outside of the bent knee with perfection. It is to be highly noted that in traditional Anjali Mudra, in certain cases, you won't be probably able to touch directly your thumbs to your sternum.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Modifications and Props

Do remain in the first prayer position for very less intensity. On the other hand, in the complete posture, do stay on the tented fingertips or you can directly place a solid block under your bottom hand. Do regularly practice this posture with a very less intense twist like Revolved Crescent Lunge with perfection. The use of props and certain modification in Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose can be done as per the instructions of your yoga instructor. Never take self decision while indulging in this particular difficult asana or posture because there are chances of injuring yourself. Do take extra care while practicing this asana.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Partnering

A partner can assist you in deepening the direct twist in this posture. Do perform this posture pose with hip braced against a wall and the outside of your back leg. While you slow and steadily indulge in this asana, do make your partner sit on the ground just outside your right side of your hip and thigh, directly facing you. Your partner must press just above the knee with one foot against your outer thigh plus the other foot just against your right hip. Then do try to directly reach your left arm out toward your immediate partner. The partner must grasp the forearm plus gently tug the arm toward the practice as the person pushes feet on the hip and thigh. Make your partner pull as per your capacity with lot of perfection. A partner can encourage the practitioner when things are performed in the right manner and suggest you when you go wrong in any given situations and circumstances.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Preparatory Poses

The preparatory poses of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose are Upavistha Konasana, Parivrtta Trikonasana, Gomukhasana and Baddha Konasana. It is highly advised to indulge in these preparatory poses so that your are rightly prepared to indulge in this said posture with a lot of perfection.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Follow up Poses

The follow up poses of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose are Bharadvajasana, Marichyasana III, Gomukhasana, Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Chaturanga Dandasana, Garudasana, Firefly Pose or Titibasana and Eight-Crooks Pose or Astavakrasana. All these follow up postures can be indulged with proper advice and suggestion from your yoga instructor.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) Deepen the Pose

All those advanced students who wish to deepen the posture of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or Revolved Side Angle pose can keep the back heel in a better manner on the ground. You can also rotate the back foot as you do in most of the standing postures. The rotation can be perfectly performed or practiced in about 45 to 60 degrees.