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Ardha Chakrasana

From the great spiraling galaxies, thousands of light years across, to the billions of atoms swirling in a grain of sand, the universe is composed of spinning wheels of energy.
At the inner core of each one of us spin seven wheel-like energy centers called chakras. There are 7 Chakras as per the Hindu system, which are located at the 7 Endocrine
glands. They are arranged in a fantastic system that demonstrates that the human form is indeed a microcosm of the universe, and our emotional and spiritual energies
have centers of focus that we can use to improve our lives. Together the seven chakras form a profound formula for wholeness, linking our physical, emotional, mental, and
spiritual selves into one indivisible whole.

Ardha Chakrasan, is one of the most dynamic backward bending postures. It has a direct effect on the stimulation of the various energy centers or Chakras of the body. The
asana is effective for respiratory problems, chronic backache, and rheumatic pains.

To perform the asana ........

Stand erect, with legs together, hands along the thighs, back straight yet relaxed.

Inhale and bring the hands up by sliding your palms on the thighs up to your waist. Support the waist with the palms, let the thumbs touch each other at the spine.

Exhale and bend backward from the lumbar region, push your waist forward, roll both the shoulders back and push the chin backward. Shift your body weight to your heels
without lifting the toes. Pull up the knee caps and exhale in the same position. Gradually, bend backwards.

Maintain this position for a while, breathing normally. While retaining the final posture, consciously keep your face relaxed.

Return to the standing position and breathe normally.

The asana should be performed at first for 30 seconds and gradually built up to 5 minutes. The asana can be repeated from one to five times.
The asana is effective in ......

Making the spine flexible . The entire length of the spine stretches back and tones the spinal nerves.

People with drooping shoulders and hunched backs benefit from this asana.

Promotes the circulation of blood to the head.

This asana activates facial tissues, nasal passage, pharynx, the lungs and the complete upper respiratory organs. This will improve asthmatic conditions.

People suffering from pharyngitis, tonsillitis, voice disorders or headache will find this asana beneficial.

The asana expands the chest and improves the respiratory capacity and digestion.

To the mind the asana works towards elevating the mood, helps in recover from depression.

In conclusion on the Pranic or spiritual front the asana is said to activate the Vishudhi Chakra, or the throat center , which improves ones capacity to communicate
effectively and renders a positive attitude towards life.