The Half Wheel Posture : Ardha Cakrasana

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

Technique

• Support the back at the waist with all the fingers together pointing forward or downward.

• Drop the head backwards and stretch 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

• Ardha Cakrasana 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.

(AYUSH, Govt. Of India)