Ardha Bheka Kapotasana

Last Updated: September 1, 2017

Definition - What does Ardha Bheka Kapotasana mean?

Ardha bheka kapotasana is an intermediate posture that serves as a strong hip opener and quadriceps stretch. From Sanskrit, ardha means “half”; bheka means “frog”; kapota means “pigeon” or “dove”; and asana means “posture” or “pose.”

This asana begins in a half split in which one leg bends in front with the calf resting on the ground and the other leg stretches back. The back leg then bends and the corresponding hand reaches back to gently press on top of the foot. The opposite arm either extends out or toward the sky.

Ardha bheka kapotasana is also known in English as half frog pigeon pose.

Ardha Bheka Kapotasana

Yogapedia explains Ardha Bheka Kapotasana

Traditionally, ardha bheka kapotasana is believed to open the svadisthana (spleen/sacral), anahata (heart) and ajna (third eye) chakras. Activating svadisthana through this asana stimulates creativity, joy and pleasure. Opening anahata kindles love, forgiveness and self-acceptance; while an active ajna is associated with intuition, wisdom and imagination.

Ardha bheka kapotasana prepares the yogi physically and mentally for more challenging asanas in the kapotasana, rajakapotasana, and vamadevasana series. In addition to its physical benefits, ardha bheka kapotasana increases focus and concentration.




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