Eternal Pose

Etymology: The Sanskrit word "Anantasana" is derived from two words: "Ananta," which means "endless" or "infinite," and "asana," which means "pose" or "posture." Ananta is also the name of the serpent Shesha, who is the infinite couch of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology.

Benefits:

1. Strengthens the legs, hips, and core muscles.
2. Stretches the hamstrings and inner thighs.
3. Improves balance and concentration.
4. Stimulates digestion.
5. Relieves sciatica and low back pain.
6. Promotes relaxation and relieves stress.

Contraindications:

1. Recent or chronic injury to the hips, knees, or shoulders.
2. Pregnancy (modified versions may be appropriate).
3. High blood pressure.
4. Herniated disc or other spinal issues (consult a healthcare professional).
5. Severe sciatica.

Alignment Tips:

1. Start by lying on your side with your legs extended and stacked.
2. Keep the bottom arm extended overhead, palm facing down, to support the head and neck.
3. Engage the core muscles to stabilize the torso.
4. Flex the top foot and press through the heel to activate the leg muscles.
5. Keep the hips stacked and avoid rolling backward or forward.
6. Maintain length in the spine by reaching through the crown of the head.
7. Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the pose.

Therapeutics:

1. Sciatica relief.
2. Improves digestion.
3. Stress reduction.

How to do it:

1. Begin by lying on your side with your legs extended and stacked.
2. Support your head with your bottom arm, extending it overhead with the palm facing down.
3. Engage your core muscles and flex your top foot.
4. Inhale as you lift the top leg upward, keeping it straight.
5. Exhale as you lower the leg back down with control.
6. Repeat the movement several times, then switch sides.

Modifications:

1. Place a folded blanket or bolster under the head for support.
2. Bend the bottom knee and place a block or bolster between the thighs for extra stability.
3. Use a strap around the top foot if flexibility is limited.
4. Perform the pose with the back against a wall for support.

Props:

1. Blanket or bolster for head support.
2. Block or bolster between the thighs for stability.
3. Strap for assistance if needed.

Misalignments:

1. Rolling the hips backward or forward.
2. Collapsing the torso or sinking into the bottom shoulder.
3. Overarching or collapsing the lower back.
4. Holding tension in the neck or jaw.
5. Pointing the top foot instead of flexing it.

Assisting:

1. Place a hand on the top hip to help stabilize it.
2. Provide gentle pressure on the top foot to encourage a deeper stretch.
3. Guide the bottom shoulder away from the ear to maintain alignment.

Prep Poses:

1. Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana).
2. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana).
3. Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana).

Follow Up Poses:

1. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana).
2. Reclining Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana).
3. Child's Pose (Balasana).