Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Ardha Supta Virasana Mean?
Ardha supta virasana is a reclining yoga posture and a variation of supta virasana (reclined hero pose). From Sanskrit, ardha means “half,” supta means “reclined,” vira means “hero” and asana means “pose.”
To enter the pose, begin in vajrasana (thunderbolt pose). Lift the hips slightly to release one leg so that the calf rests beside the thigh. Then extend the other leg toward the front. The forearms lower to the floor to support the back as it’s brought to the mat. Rest on the shoulders and head, releasing the hands so they lay with the palms up.
Ardha supta virasana is also referred to as half reclining hero pose in English.
Yogapedia Explains Ardha Supta Virasana
Ardha supta virasana is effective for relieving asthmatic conditions, indigestion, headache, flat feet, sciatica, menstrual discomfort and insomnia.
The mental health benefits of the pose include:
- Promotes courage
- Promotes sense of calm
- Balances the body and the mind
Ardha supta virasana stimulates the anahata (heart) and manipura (solar plexus) chakras. The anahata chakra is associated with harmony, peace, purity, compassion and forgiveness. The manipura chakra is associated with fearlessness and firmness.
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