Stretch the legs, calm the mind, and open your higher chakras with Half Pyramid Pose…

Half Pyramid Pose (Ardha Parsvottanasana) is one of several modified versions of Pyramid Pose. This variation offers the same soothing effects of the full Pyramid, and also is believed to enhance intuition and communication, activate the third eye and crown chakras, calm the mind, and strengthen the nervous system. It also provides a great stretch for the hamstrings and calves, releases the upper back and neck, and stretches the glutes. Half Pyramid pose also compresses the abdominal organs and is thought to improve digestion and blood circulation.

This is a good pose to help warm up for the full Pyramid pose or other poses that require flexibility in the legs, or it can also be done as an alternative to Pyramid if you don’t yet have enough flexibility for the full pose.

This pose should be suitable for any experience level, but you may wish to rest the knee on a folded blanket for comfort. If you still cannot comfortably fold forward over the leg, you may also rest your hands on yoga blocks. Those with recent injuries to the knees or legs, or who have high or low blood pressure should avoid this pose.

How to Do Half Pyramid Pose:

1. From table position, step the right foot between the hands, bringing the right knee directly over the right ankle into Low Lunge. The left knee and foot rests on the floor.

2. Exhale straightening the right leg, pressing the hips towards the left heel. Round the spine, pressing the forehead to the right kneecap, lift the right toes up towards the ceiling.

3. Walk the hands in towards you to support the torso. Soften the elbows, relax the shoulders, neck and face.

4. Breathe and hold for 4-8 breaths.

5. To release: Inhale and bend the right knee back over the ankle, then exhale and bring the right knee back into table position.

6. Repeat on other side.

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