Paschimottanasana & Purvottanasana Health Benefits

Paschimottanasana, the seated forward bend, is the first seated  postures in Ashtanga yoga. There are many great benefits from this posture. The most obvious benefit is to provide a complete stretch of the whole back side of the body from head to heels. This posture stimulates the internal organs such as kidneys, liver, pancreas, etc. It also increases the vermicular movements of the bowels. Furthermore it relieves you from different back problems.  Immediately after Paschimottanasana there is the counter stretch - Purvottanasana. 
Purvottanasana is a posture that stretches out the body from the shoulders down to the toes and it stimulates energy throughout the body. This posture is the counter pose to Paschimottanasana.

Paschimottanasana 

• It calms the brain and helps relieve stress
• Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings
• The posture stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus
• Improves digestion
• Relieves headache and anxiety and reduces fatigue
• Traditional texts say that Paschimottanasana increases appetite, reduces obesity, and cures diseases.
• The intestines and gall bladder are smoothly pressed and stimulates 
• It prevents diabetes and improves the symptoms of diabetes 
• This asana helps to increase the concentration capacity

Purvottanasana

• It strengthens your triceps, wrists, back, and legs
• It stretches your shoulders, chest, and front ankles
• Frees your mind
• The spine becomes suppler
• The stretching of the spine improves the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system
• It improves the sense of balance
• The abdominal muscles are stretched and the organs in the region are massaged
• The endocrine gland benefits greatly from this posture
• It helps to impart a sense of calm.