“Half Bridge Pose”
“Half Bridge Pose”
In a yoga session, the poses are generally performed in a certain order so as to potentiate their effects. Ardha Setu Bandhâsana is part of the class of poses known as “inversion” poses. They are often practised at the end of the session. You can see in the illustration that the heart is positioned above the head, which is what distinguishes this family. You already did one inversion pose earlier in the course – do you know which? It is a pose often practised between others because of its recuperative qualities – the Downward Dog Pose.
The inversion poses have a large number of benefits: they regenerate the body and mind, help to balance the endocrine and nervous systems and help to calm the mind. They also stimulate the circulation of fluids in the body (lymphatic and blood circulatory system) for better supply of all parts of our organism, just like our network of bisses delivering water to the soil and crops.
The Half Bridge Pose prepares the body for the Chakrâsana wheel pose. Imagine the wheels of the mills turning with the force of the running water. Listen to the water and feel the energy flowing through your body. You, too, have little wheels inside you turning to make the energy circulate. In yoga, these are called the chakras.
The inversion poses are difficult to practise on a mountain trail and often require additional materials if they are to be done safely. For this reason, I suggest replacing them today with the walk to the next station. A brisk walk also stimulates our circulatory system and calms mental or emotional agitation.