What is Half Wheel Pose?

Half wheel pose, or ardha chakrasana in Sanskrit, is a standing backbend. With the hands on the low back, the yogi arches backwards, lifting the chest toward the sky and releasing the head back. While the pose looks simple, it requires a great deal of strength and flexibility to bring the body into this deep backward arch.

Instructions

• Begin standing with the feet as wide as the hips.
• Place the palms on the low back, fingers pointing up.
• Inhale and lengthen the spine.
• Exhale and slowly arch the head and neck back as the chest lifts toward the sky.
• Breathe while holding the pose.
• Inhale and rise.

Cautions

• Avoid if there is neck injury, high blood pressure or hernia.

Benefits of Half Wheel Pose

• Opens the chest and lungs
• Stretches the abdominal organs and stimulates digestion
• Strengthens the back
• Increases spinal flexibility
• Improves posture