Starting today, we will work on standing yoga poses. The yoga pose for today is Half Chair Pose, which is called Ardha Utkatasana in Sanskrit. 'Ardha' means 'half', 'utkata' means 'intense' and 'powerful'. The pose strengthens the body. In Half Chair Pose, spine is energized as a result of which the entire body and mind are energized.
Half Chair Pose stimulates muladhara chakra and svadhittana chakra. Stimulation of base chakra, the muladhara, helps to promote optimum function of other chakras. Creativity and acceptance develop and focus improves with regular practice of the pose.
Other Benefits of Half Chair Pose
- The pose boosts immunity.
- It strengthens legs.
- It cures respiratory conditions.
- It is one of the effective yoga poses for tummy fat.
- The pose iImproves joint flexibility; relieves joint pain.
- Regular practice of the pose helps to cure menstrual pain.
- It helps to cure sciatic pain.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Stand straight on the mat. Place your feet close to each other. Alternately, you may place them half feet apart from each other.
- Inhale as you lift your hands sideways. Now exhale.
- Inhale and lift your hands over your head and bring the palms together. Alternately, you can stretch your hands forward at shoulder height.
- As you lift your hands, lower your hips with exhalation to achieve a pose in which you are seated in an imaginary chair.
- Hold the pose for 20 seconds. Bring the arms down and straighten your body. You can gradually increase the duration to one minute.
Note
Those with low blood pressure and insomnia should refrain from practicing the pose.