Day 22: Half Tortoise Pose
Ardha Kurmasana, Half Tortoise Pose
This posture before Camel is meant to give you the boost of energy that you need to finish the class. This is a fantastic shoulder opening posture. If you have a challenging time straightening your arms in the standing series, this is your posture! Here, gravity is working with you, so you might find it easier to get your arms straighter. This posture is also an inversion ( a little baby inversion!), and floods your brain with oxygen! You get the benefits of doing a posture such as a handstand or headstand, but anyone can do it!
Benefits of Half Tortoise include:
Rejuvenates and relaxes — this posture can be practiced anytime whether you are warmed up or not!
Assists in relieving digestion problems
Stretches the lower part of the lungs and helps to increase lung capacity
Excellent for respiratory conditions
Helps with insomnia
Increases flexibility in the hips and shoulders
Floods the brain with fresh oxygenated blood