PARTIAL SUN

1. Stand erect with the feet a short distance apart, arms relaxed at the sides.

2. Inhaling, slowly raise the straightened arms forward, up, and over the head. Arch back as far as possible while holding the breath.

3. Straighten up and while exhaling, slowly bend forward at the hips, keeping the legs straight (knees locked).

4. Hold for a few seconds with the breath out. Hanging loosely, let the weight of the body pull you down. Do not bounce up and down while bent over.

5. Inhaling, slowly straighten up to the standing position, letting the arms come back to the sides.

VARIATION: Instead of letting the body hang limp, place the hands behind the ankles or calves and gently pull the head forward as close to the knees as possible. The full position of this asana is assumed by placing the palms flat on the floor to either side of the feet and touching the forehead to the knees.

BENEFITS: The Partial Sun Pose limbers the spine and greatly relieves tension. It benefits circulation to the chest, neck, and head, improving the functions in these areas. It stretches the solar plexus. This is a good general body pose, since the spine is flexed both ways and most of the muscles come into play at one time or another during this posture.