Straight Leg Release Stretch

I feel very fortunate to have learned how to execute this elegant yet extremely powerful stretch-release. I have seen illustrations posted at several yoga centers depicting a variety of substitute ways of performing this assisted asana yet I found them all deficient, negligent and compromising miserably the satisfying dimension achievable when this therapuetic protocol is properly exercised.

The Straight Leg Release Stretch is highly desirable by massage therapists, dancers, martial artists, yoga enthusiasts and athletes due to its vital contribution to balance and body-mind harmony. It is an indispensable procedure that produces emotional as well as physical strength and fulfillment.

The Straight Leg Release Stretch tonifies the hamstring assemblies, which function in unison with the complementary forces of the quadriceps assemblies to maintain a healthy postural and pelvic integrity  with lower-back alignment.

The water element [bladder channel] running along the entire posterior leg [and beyond] receives energy/invigoration in the form of consciously transmitted intention from the giver. This conscious energy attunes itself and resonates ‘agreement’ with the channel’s needs thus enhancing the quality of our attunement.

The bladder nadi responds to this application by ‘naturally evolving’ in order to sustain its existence and function. Instinctually, neurological and psychological receptors from all five koshas [bodies] reply positively. This sense of certainty is conveyed to the recipient’s spirit-soul and consequently elevates the person to inspired well-being and elucidation.

One only needs to meditate on the qualities and nature of the water element to understand the benefits and contribution that we acquire from this protocol. The Water element [from dust the body came and to dust the body shall return] attributes include fluidity, cohesiveness, primordial nurturing, structure, formability, adaptability and liquidity. These traits align to grace an individual’s behavior and personality.

PROCEDURE:

Customarily this asana comfortably follows the previous asana [Supported Straight Leg Release Stretch]. Yet The Straight Leg Release Stretch can be implemented anywhere independently with just as good results.  Always honor the tradition of beginning procedures using the left side for a female and the right side for a male.

Begin by kneeling between the receiver’s legs facing the receiver’s head. If the receiver is a female, pick up the left leg at the heel, if the receiver is a male, do the right leg first.  Cup the heel with your left palm. Straighten the leg by drawing the left knee assembly firmly towards you with your opposite hand by hooking just above the knee while securely pressing/leaning the receiver’s heel away from you.

To achieve the marvelously full satisfaction available for the recipient, it is necessary to also rest your inside knee very gently upon the receiver’s resting leg just above the receiver’s knee. The resting of the knee upon the receiver’s resting leg must be done with utmost savvy and finesse because if we make a mistake by being too abrupt or heavy, or by startling the receiver with an awkward transition, the entire procedure becomes unnecessarily interrupted and distracted with undo discomfort and excessive pressure.  To be effective, the practitioner’s knee must rest upon the area comfortably and with matching contours.

To demonstrate this aesthetically-pleasing pose professionally, it is most important for the giver’s arms to be locked straight at the elbows before proceeding with any therapy or energetic application.  Please maintain straight arms to avoid misdirecting your intentional force and focus.

Remember again, it is very important to stabilize the receiver’s resting leg with your inside knee to prevent it from rising upward. The awareness/sensitivity radiating from a conscientiously-applied counter force at the receiver’s knee area will initiate a positive response from the receiver.