ETYMOLOGY: This pose is in some ways a variant of DHANURASANA. The Sanskrit term UTTYTHA means “lifted”, and the term ARDHA means “half”. Consequently, the name of this asana may be translated as “the half arch standing”.

 


 


 

The right side:

 


 


 

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS
From a physical point of view, this asana has all the beneficial effects of DHANURASANA. The muscular extension allows the spine to gain in flexibility. This pose is also a good preparation for the practice of DHANURASANA.