Parsva Sukhasana, or Seated Side Bend Pose, is a variation of Sukhasana (Easy Pose). Seated Side Bend is a simple seated posture that is commonly used in yoga to warm up the body. This posture opens the hips and provides a lateral twist; therefore, it is beneficial for the lower and upper back, chest, and psoas muscles. Energetically, Parsva Sukhasana calms and grounds as well as awakens the heart.  

How Parsva Sukhasana (Seated Side Bend) Affects the 3 Doshas:

Vata- Seated Side Bend Pose is a wonderful way to restore grounded, rooted energy to the often highly mobile, variable energy of vaVataosha. Since the low body is supported by the floor in this posture, apApanaayu, the downward moving energy needed for healthy, regular bowel movements is also enhanced.

Pitta- Parsva Sukhasana provides pitta types the opportunity to slow down, simplify and cultivate waves of calm and bliss in both their bodies and minds. As the side body opens and stretches in this posture, the organs of digestion arcanxpel any unwanted toxins and excess heat, ultimately relieving the fiery nature of pitta dosha. 

Kapha- For kaKaphaypes, Seated Side Bend Pose expands the side body, opens the heart center, and liberates the organs of respiration. The focus for kaKaphaypes in this posture is to take gobs of full breaths in and out to stretch and expand the upper body, into the body and mind of congestion, lethargy, and sluggishness. 

How to Do Parsva Sukhasana:

1. Sit on one or two folded blankets, with your legs straight out in front of you.
2. Draw your right leg in and then your left leg to come into a cross-legged position. 
3. If your hips are tight or if you have any knee pain, roll a couple of blankets and place them underneath your hips and/or knees to support you. Also, you can try sitting on one or two more blankets to further elevate your seat.
4. Allow your hands to fall into whatever position feels naturally right.
5. Feel the connection between your feet, legs, sit bones, and the floor. 
6. As you inhale, lengthen the spine up nice and tall. 
7. Draw the shoulders gently down the back and feel your heart expand.
8. Bring the crown of your head in line with your hips and bring your chin parallel to the floor. 
9. Place your right hand on the floor and simultaneously extend the left arm upward towards your left ear. 
10. Exhale and side bend to the right.
11. If possible, keep your gaze on your left hand as you take 5-10 breaths in this position. 
12. To come out, take an inhalation and return to the center with both hands resting on the knees.
13. Place your left hand on the floor and simultaneously extend the right arm upward towards your right ear. 
14. Exhale and side bend to the left. 
15. If possible, keep your gaze on your right hand as you take 5-10 breaths in this position.
16. Return to center and rest both hands on the knees.