Pada means the foot. Hasta means the hand. This posture is done by
bending forward and standing on one’s hands.

Technique

Stand in Tadasana. Spread the legs a foot apart.

Exhale, bend forward and without bending the legs at the knees
insert the hands under the feet so that the palms touch the soles.

Keep the head up and make the back as concave as possible. Do
not slacken the grip at the knees and take a few breaths in this position.

Now exhale, and move the head in between the knees by bending
the elbows and pulling the feet up from the palms. Stay in
the pose for about 20 seconds with normal breathing.

Inhale, raise the head and come back to position 2 with the head well up. Take two breaths.

Inhale, stand up and return to Tadasana.

Effects of Padangusthasana and Padahastasana

The second asana is more strenuous than the first, but the effects of
both are the same. The abdominal organs are toned and digestive
juices increase, while the liver and spleen are activated. Persons suffering from a bloating sensation in the abdomen or from gastric troubles
will benefit by practising these two asanas.
Slipped spinal discs can only be adjusted in the concave back
position· Do not bring the head in between the
knees if you have a displaced disc. It is imperative to get guidance from a guru (master) before
trying this pose, because it may not be possible to achieve the concave
back position immediately. One has to master other minor poses before
attempting this one.