Using Props for practicing Urdhva Prasarita Padasana

In the previous two posts I discussed how to practice Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. In this post I want to discuss how to use props which can help in your practice of this pose. This is useful if you find it difficult to practice this pose as was mentioned in the previous two posts. Use of props has been made popular by BKS Iyengar who realized that it is difficult to practice the pose as is given in the books. Props are different articles which can be daily use objects found at our homes which can assist in our yoga practice. Now a days there are many stores that sell props like blocks.

While practicing Urdhva Prasarita Padasana three regions require strength. Back of the upper legs, lower back and the abdomen muscles. People with very weak lower back or too much waist size (which means weak abdomen) or weak legs will find practicing this pose difficult. Using props will make the practice easier as well as give you a feel of the pose in case you are not able to achieve the pose without the props. When you use props properly gives you almost get the same benefits and gradually make you able to practice the pose without these pose.

Here are four props you can use for the practice.

1. Using the Wall
   
   Another way to practice the pose is to use the wall to ensure that the legs are perpendicular to the floor. Using the wall as a prop pushes the legs and will make sure that they are not bent from the knees without straining the hamstring too much. Make sure that the hips are touching the floor and they are not raised.



2. Using Pillow
   
   Use a pillow below the hips. Lie down and place a pillow below the hips. Now when you raise the feet you will have more support and find it easy to maintain the pose.


3. Using the Towel
   
   In this use of the prop you straighten the legs by using a towel around the feet and holding both the end of the towel with your hands. Then you need to pull the legs straight using the towel.


4. Using a Single Leg
   Although this method is not a use of a prop but if you have weak back you would find it difficult to raise both the legs. Then it is easier to raise a single leg. This modification will allow you to practice the pose partially and increase the leg strength though the effect will not be that intense.

Using these props will gradually increase the flexibility and strength of the organs required to practice this pose and eventually you would be able to practice the pose without these props.

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