Yoga Chikitsa · Primary · Standing Sequence
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
Hand-to-big-toe
What it is
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana is a standing balance in the Primary standing sequence.
What it looks like
Standing on one leg, you hold the big toe of the other foot and extend the leg forward. You fold toward the leg, then open it out to the side, and finally hold it forward without the hands. Both sides are practised.
Why it is practised
It is mainly a balance pose. It asks for steadiness in the standing leg and a calm, even breath while the body is on one foot.
What to pay attention to
Keep the standing leg firm and the hips level. Fix the gaze on one point. It is fine to bend the lifted knee, hold it lower, or use a strap — balance and breathing matter more than height.
Who it suits
It suits most practitioners. Beginners usually start with a bent knee. In Mysore-style practice a teacher shows you suitable variations as you learn — you can work on this in private sessions.
Next in the sequence: Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana.
Hold the big toe. Stand, fold, then take the leg to the side.
Both sides.
Practise this Primary pose in a Mysore-style room, or in a private session in Dubai or online.
See session formats, upcoming dates and the shala.