Ardha Dhanurasana Yoga Asana:

Ardha Dhanurasana a backbending asana that is a less intense variation of the common Hatha yoga pose, dhanurasana. From Sanskrit, ardha means "half", dhanur means "bow" and asana means "pose.".

Ardha Dhanurasana Yoga Asana Steps:

• Lie on your belly, with the legs together or a few inches apart. Bring the chin to the floor and slide the right arm along the floor, over your head with the palm facing down.
• Bend the right knee and reach the left hand back to hold onto the right heel or ankle (opposite hand to foot).
• Inhale and kick the right foot into the arm to lift the right leg, head and chest off of the floor. Keep the neck in line with the spine and look up at the forehead.
• Press down into the right arm for support, or lift the right arm off of the floor, keeping it parallel to the floor.
• Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.
• To release: slowly exhale and lower the leg, arm, head and chest down to the floor.
• Repeat on other side.