Urdhwa Padmasana

Meaning: Urdhwa – above ; Padma – lotus Urdhwa padmasana
Being in sarvangasana, the legs are folded to form padmasana

Procedure:
Lie flat on the back with hands on either side of the body. Inhaling, raise the trunk from the ground supported by the hands. While exhaling, fold the right leg and keep the right foot on the left thigh. Now inhale, and exhaling, fold the left leg and keep the left foot on the right thigh. Close the eyes. Take a few normal breaths. Inhaling, release the left leg and exhale. Again inhaling, release the right leg and while exhaling, bring down the body to the ground, releasing the hands.

Benefits:
Crossing legs brings pressure on abdomen and colon ;thus relieves constipation
Gripping pain in stomach is relieved by the pose

Limitations:
During pregnancy and menstruation, women should not practise it.