Yoga Asana of the Day: Mahamudra (also known as Maha Mudra)

Illustration by @Ardgion (click to enlarge)
Maha means great, noble; mudra means seal. In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, this asana is said to "destroy death and many other pains", and cures all digestive complaints.
Start by sitting on the floor. Bend the knee of one leg and place the sole of the foot against the inner thigh of the extended leg, try to get the heal near the perineum if possible. The angle of the extended leg and the thigh of the bent leg should be at 90 degrees. Keep the extended leg engaged, don't let it flop to the side.
Have your back straight and core engaged (don't let your belly sag), and reach forward, place your hands on your knee or shin if you lack flexibility. If you can, hold the big toe of your extended leg with the thumb and forefingers of both hands. Pull your abdomen in and tighten it upwards to your diaphragm. You can round your back to get the stretch of the hamstring, but the full asana requires this to be done with a straight back. Hold for as long as comfortable. Repeat on other side.
[The advanced full version is to apply chin lock and root lock, thus creating the seal.]
This asana helps with spleen problems, enlarged prostate, and improves digestion. It is beneficial for women who have a prolapsed uterus.

Illustration by @Ardgion (click to enlarge)
Maha means great, noble; mudra means seal. In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, this asana is said to "destroy death and many other pains", and cures all digestive complaints.
Start by sitting on the floor. Bend the knee of one leg and place the sole of the foot against the inner thigh of the extended leg, try to get the heal near the perineum if possible. The angle of the extended leg and the thigh of the bent leg should be at 90 degrees. Keep the extended leg engaged, don't let it flop to the side.
Have your back straight and core engaged (don't let your belly sag), and reach forward, place your hands on your knee or shin if you lack flexibility. If you can, hold the big toe of your extended leg with the thumb and forefingers of both hands. Pull your abdomen in and tighten it upwards to your diaphragm. You can round your back to get the stretch of the hamstring, but the full asana requires this to be done with a straight back. Hold for as long as comfortable. Repeat on other side.
[The advanced full version is to apply chin lock and root lock, thus creating the seal.]
This asana helps with spleen problems, enlarged prostate, and improves digestion. It is beneficial for women who have a prolapsed uterus.