Practice:
Sit with the legs straight. Bend the left leg and place it over the right thigh so that the left heel touches the outer side of the right buttock. Bend the right leg and place the right heel beside the left buttock. Both buttocks remain on the floor. >Raise the right arm and bend it behind the head so the elbow points up. Bring the left arm behind the back from below and clasp the fingers of both hands together. The head remains upright and straight and rests on the right forearm. Look up. >Breathing normally hold the position. Return to the starting position.

Practice the exercise on the other side.

Benefits:
Strengthens the finger joints and wrists, promotes mobility of the shoulders and hips, while strengthening muscles of the chest and back. Improves a rounded back and sideways curvature of the spine. Facilitates deeper breathing. Stimulates kidney function, activates the bladder and the digestive system, and also counters diabetes.

Caution:
This exercise should not be practiced with injuries to the arms, hands or legs.

Asana is included in the following categories:
Asanas and Exercises to Stretch the Thoracic Spine and Counteract a Rounded Back
Asanas and Exercises to Improve Poor Posture and Scoliosis
Asanas and Exercises to Activate the Pancreas (for Diabetes)
Asanas and Exercises to Relax Shoulders and Increase Shoulder Mobility