ARDHA PADMA PADMOTTANASANA

In this sequence, we learn to gradually open our hips to move towards Ardha Padma Padmottanasana, the linked half lotus.

This pose helps loosen overly stiff knees and serves as a good practice for hip openings without putting pressure on the knee of the half-lotus leg. As the abdominal organs are contracted, the digestive capacity is increased and the peristaltic activity allows the elimination of toxins through the intestinal tract. The posture opens the shoulders, develops the rib cage and helps to breathe freely and deeply.

Because of being on one leg and in forward extension, this posture strengthens the ground leg and promotes stretching of the hamstring. It also gives the notion of weight transfer from the body which passes from the foot of the bent leg to the hand which rests on the ground.