Ardha Titli Asana (Half Butterfly)

This asana specifically loosens up the thigh, hip, knee and ankle joints.

Technique

Remain sitting with your legs extended out in front of you.
Fold your left leg and place your left foot onto the right thigh.
Place your left hand on top of the left knee.
Relax your whole body.
Now gently push the left knee up and down.
While performing this movement, mentally repeat to yourself, “I am loosening up my ankle, knee and hip joints and will eventually be able to touch the floor with my folded knee”.

Move your knee up and down 25 times. After completing slowly straighten your bent leg without jerking or twisting the knee.
Then bend your leg, bringing your heel to the buttocks and then straighten it again, to release any muscular tension.
Now fold your right foot onto the left thigh and repeat the same process.

Note: With practice and the right mental attitude, everyone will eventually be able to touch their knees to the ground. The focus, however, should not be on touching the knee to the ground, but actually moving through the asanas with awareness and the right attitude. Remember no excess strain or pain must be felt at any point.