35. Paryankasana

Paryak means bed, couch or sofa. This asana is the next stage of supta veerasana, so named because the body resembles a bed in this asana.

Following are the steps to perform 'Paryankasana'

Sit in Veerasana.

Exhale and lean back Lift the neck and chest and arch the back Keep only the palms on the floor. 

No part of the torso should be on the floor.

Bend the arms at the elbows. 

Hold the left upper arm near the elbow with the right hand, Hold the right upper arm near the elbow with the left hand.

Place the folded hands on the floor behind the head.

Stay in this position for 1 minute while breathing.

Breathe in. Let the torso and neck rest on the floor. Relax the arms and sit again in Veerasana.

Straighten one leg first and then the other leg in front. 

Lie flat on the floor and rest.

Benefits of 'Paryankasana'

In this asana, the back is fully stretched behind the chest so that the lungs are fully inflated.

The muscles of the neck are stretched and the laryngeal and sublarynx glands are stimulated so their functions are regulated.

This asana is beneficial for those who cannot do matysana.