Paścimottānāsana

Posterior stretching pose. The Haṭha Pradīpikā (1.28-29) considers it the foremost of āsanas for its capacity to awaken prāṇa and activate the suṣumṇā channel by stretching the entire back of the body — paścima means “west” or “posterior.” Sustained practice kindles the digestive fire, reduces fat, and prepares the body for pranayama and sense withdrawal.