Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)

 Benefits:

• Strengthens and improves flexibility in the inner thighs, groins and the knees.
• Helps prepare the hips and groins for meditative seated poses, which require more flexibility in these areas.
• Stimulates the abdominal organs, potentially improving the health of the ovaries, prostate gland, kidneys and bladder.
• Helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
• Soothes menstrual discomfort and sciatica.
• Metaphysically opens up the groin area helping to relieve sexual inhibitions and guilt.
• Therapeutic for flat feet, high blood pressure, infertility, and asthma.
• Consistent practice of this pose until late into pregnancy is said to help ease childbirth.
• Traditional texts say that Baddha Konasana destroys disease and gets rid of fatigue.

 Contraindications and Cautions:

• Recent or chronic hip, groin or knee injury or inflammation.