Ardha means half. Chakra means wheel. In this posture, as the body takes the shape of a half wheel, hence it is called ArdhaChakrasana.

Technique

  • Support the back at the waist with all the fingers together pointing forward or downward.
  • Drop the head backwards stretching the neck muscles. As you inhale, bend backwards from the lumbar region; exhale and relax.
  • Stay here for 10-30 seconds with normal breathing. Inhale and slowly come up.

  Benefits

  • ArdhaChakrasana makes the spine flexible and strengthens the spinal nerves.
  • Strengthens the neck muscles, and improves breathing capacity. Helps in cervical spondylitis.

A word of caution

  • Avoid this posture in case of vertigo or a tendency to giddiness. Hypertensive patients shall bend with care