Paschimottanasana is a yoga form that is very good for strengthening the back. It not only helps you to improve the entire posture of the body but also improves your ability to maintain equilibrium within.

History :

This is a kind of yoga that was started by Gorakshanath of the 11th century. This is in fact a very fulfilling asana as per the Shiva Samhita.

Meaning :

Pastime means the west and refers to the back portion of the body. Uttana means straightening and asana means pose. So Paschimottanasana means the posture which stretches the entire back of the body.

Technique :

Sit in Dandasana and with your hands touch the toes of the feet.
Now breathe out and bend till your head touches the knees.
Breathe out and keep doing the position till your head is between the knees.
Sit in this position for around three minutes, breathe out, and come back to initial potion.

Benefits :

Paschimottanasan strengthens the entire Digestive System.
It also controls and maintains your appetite and helps you t clear the toxins which block the intestinal tract.
Kidney problems are avoided as toxins are cleared.
Circulation of blood is better with this asana and one important aspect is the manner in which the person who does this asana remains quite and calm.
Any kind of weakness within is cured and the yoga pose is surely one that makes the body strong.
One can have a healthy, glowing skin due to this asana.

Caution :

For kids who practice this, they should remember that this asana is not for those who have problems of the heart and so medical supervision is a must.

Paschimottanasana is a yoga form that keeps the mind, body and soul calm so it is a good yoga posture to adopt for kids.