Half Tortoise Yoga position, or Ardha-Kurmasana, is a simple, yet powerful pose that can help improve your flexibility and overall wellbeing.
About Half Tortoise Yoga Position
Half Tortoise Yoga position is one of many positions named for an animal. Ardha means half and Kurmasana translates to reclined tortoise or turtle.
This particular pose is one of the best ways to release tension in the upper body, especially in the neck and shoulder areas. Here are a few additional benefits of this pose.
- Relaxation - This pose, as well as many yoga poses, is especially good for relaxation and relieving stress.
- Increased flexibility - The pose will improve the flexibility in your hips, neck, and shoulders.
- Toned muscles - Yoga, in particular, can help firm muscles, especially in the abdomen.
- Improved lung function - Many yoga practitioners believe this pose helps improve lung function, making it an excellent pose for those with asthma or emphysema.
- Increased blood circulation - This is a characteristic that can be attributed to many yoga poses.
Step into the Pose
This particular position is very similar in some ways to Child's Pose. To perform Half Tortoise Yoga position:
- Begin by sitting on your knees on a yoga mat.
- Lean forward, folding your body at the waist. Be sure to keep your bottom near your ankles as you bend.
- Rest your forehead on the mat and reach your arms out in front of you, keeping them as straight as possible.
- Bring your palms together, resting the sides of your hands on the mat. You should feel the stretch along the back of your arms and in your shoulders.
- Hold this post for 30 seconds and breathe deeply.
Yoga is one of those hybrid exercises that not only treats the body, but the mind and spirit, as well.
Experience Level
This pose is suitable even for yoga beginners and can be used as a warm up or cool down position for more advanced yoga practitioners.
