Upaviṣṭa Koṇāsana without evidence, to be useful for "gynaecological problems", and safe in both menstruation and pregnancy provided no strain is applied. However, the founder of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, K. Pattabhi Jois, states that it should not be performed in pregnancy, though agreeing on its benefit for the sciatic nerve. Upaviṣṭa Koṇāsana Upaviṣṭa Koṇāsana (Sanskrit उपविष्टकोणासन), also written Upavistha Konasana or "wide-angle seated forward bend" is an asana in hatha yoga, sitting upright with the legs as wide apart as possible, grasping the toes and leaning forward. The name of the pose is from the Sanskrit उपविष्ट (upavishta) meaning "open", कोण (kon)
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga and never taught by Sharath. However most of his teachers who claim to have been taught by him will teach the above methods, exercises, & postures, even though none of what they teach is part of the Ashtanga method of instruction under Sharath. Pattabhi Jois also did not require students to independently drop back and come up from back bending before progressing to the 2nd series. Sharath changed the requirements, and has now made this mandatory. However, it is important to note that Pattabhi Jois was the founder of the system, and taught each of his original students differently, instructing