Dynamics of Pasasana

[Guest guest]

Dynamics of Pasasana

Posted by: " bucknmoe " no_reply bucknmoe

Wed Sep 12, 2007 11:30 pm (PST)

Hi all!

 

I've been practicing Ashtanga for > 6 years. I'm trying to focus more

on my intermediate practice, but I have this huge mental block because

I'm still struggling with pasasana. I can get my heels on the floor if

I have assistance, but I still feel like I'm going to lose my balance

and fall over backwards. I was putting a rolled up yoga rug under my

heels for a while, but it's definitely become a crutch.

 

Can anyone explain the dynamics of the pose to me? I'd also like to

hear your opinions on which is better - using the rug so I can get the

bind, or keeping my hands in prayer position so I can get my heels on

the floor (I've done this a few times, but my butt is no where near my

heels). I'm not sure if this will help diagnose my problem, but I

probably should mention that I also run (4 1/2 miles, 3 times a week),

and I seriously hurt my lower back last year while lifting up in Eka

Pada Sirsasana (although I struggled with Pasasana even before then).

Thanks to everyone in advance!

--------------

 

Hi

I basically have the same challenges that you have. I agree that the rolled up

mat can be a crutch. Can you bind in Marichyasana D? That is important to do

pasasana well. Another thing to try, in preparation for pasasana, is, when

you're in Marichyasana C, put a lot of pressure down on the arm that is wrapping

around the leg (not the one turning behind to grab.) Try asking a teacher to

give you the adjustment of pushing down the arm in Mari. C. so you can get the

feeling of what I'm talking about. Keep this pressure down in mind when you do

pasasana. When you're getting into pasasana, lift your chest way up, then pull

the hand that is going to hold your assembly away from you and down to the side.

Bend it around your legs. Then remembering this downward strenght as you turn

the arm, keep the pressure going down and bring the other arm to bind. I'm able

to bind and hold it. Sometimes I can lower the feet, but most of the time they

are still arched, but maybe coming down will come with time. But attention to

the downward pull of the grabbing arm helps to keep the bent leg assembly.

 

Hope that helps

Arturo

[Guest guest]

I have similar problems with pasasana. It's not a matter of dynamics,

but of physical structure. Some people are built with the right

lengths of thigh/calf, and especially, enough forward ankle flexion,

for the pose. Others are not. You can always improve on it, but you

may just not be built for it. What I do nowadays is ditch the

rug/whatever, and do pasasana balanced on balls of the feet, lowering

heels as much as possible, if I do not have someone to assist. In

some ways this is harder.

[Guest guest]

another modification is to use the wall -- Start with your back to the wall

so that your but just touches it with both feet flat. One arm wraps around

the knees, while keeping your back to the wall

you reach up and around with the other arm -- perhaps bind. The wall at

your back keeps you from falling backwards,

while allowing you to work with your heels flat on the ground

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone who responded...it helps to know I'm not alone.