PADAHASTASANA ... (Jackknife Pose) This is considered to be an "inversion" pose. Inversion poses are good for clearing the mind, improving memory and sharpening the brain. It has been suggested that some inversion poses can actually slow down the progress of dementia, and when combined with meditation, even Alzheimer's disease. This posture also stretches the hamstrings, allowing you to go deeper into several other postures. It is good for relief in conditions of asthma and emphysema.