advanced

Side Bow Pose

Parsva Dhanurasana

PARSH-vah dah-noo-RAHS-ah-nah

An advanced variation of Bow Pose, where the body rolls to one side, deepening the backbend and adding a lateral stretch and twist. It intensifies the opening of the chest and shoulders while challenging balance and core stability.

Chakras
PrimaryAnahata (Heart)
SecondaryManipura (Solar Plexus)Svadhisthana (Sacral)
Gaze:Nose Tip
Quick Summary
  • From Bow Pose, slowly roll to one side.

  • Maintain the lift of the chest and legs.

  • Balance on your side body, breathing deeply.

Foundation
  • Establish a strong Bow Pose first, ensuring knees are hip-width apart.

  • Maintain active kicking of the legs into the hands to sustain the backbend.

Alignment
  • Gently roll to one side, balancing on the soft part of the hip and thigh.

  • Keep the chest open and lifted; avoid collapsing onto the floor.

  • Gaze forward or slightly upward, maintaining a long neck.

Breathe deeply and smoothly, using the breath to sustain the lift and stretch.
pronebackbendtwist