Half Sun Salutation

Published on February 7, 2008

The Half Sun Salutation is just the beginning of Series A Sun Salutation, and is used as a warm up before moving into the more challenging versions. Sun salutations are practiced 2-6 times in a row and traditionally practiced at sunrise. Level: Basic.

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Contraindication: Recent or chronic injury to the back, knees, hips or unmedicated high blood pressure.

1. Start in Mountain with the palms together.

mountain tadasanaA. Place the feet together or 2-3 inches apart, parallel, and facing forward.

B. The palms are lightly pressed together with the shoulders back and down, and the chest presses in towards the thumbs.

C. The crown of the head lifts up, and the chin is parallel to the floor.

2. Inhale and sweep the arms up

mountain tadasanaA. Stay in Mountain alignment.

B. Look up at the thumbs.

C. Lift out of the waist, reaching up towards the sky.

3. Exhale into Forward Fold.

forward foldA. Press the palms flat to the floor; if necessary bend the knees slightly. If you have the flexibility, bring the fingertips in line with the toes.

B. Reach the forehead in towards the legs.

4. Inhale and lift into Upward Forward Fold.

flat backA. Lift half way up with the arms and legs, and back straight.

B. The fingertips can touch the floor, or you can place the palms on the shins or knees.

C. Lift the chest, and look up as high as comfortable.

5. Exhale into Forward Fold.

forward foldA. Press the palms flat to the floor; if necessary, bend the knees slightly. If you have the flexibility, bring the fingertips in line with the toes.

B. Reach the forehead in towards the legs.

6. Inhale and sweep the arms up

mountain tadasanaA. Stay in Mountain alignment.

B. Look up at the thumbs.

C. Lift out of the waist, reaching up towards the sky.

7. Exhale and bring the palms together in Mountain.

mountain tadasanaA. Place the feet together or 2-3 inches apart, parallel, and facing forward.

B. The palms are lightly pressed together with the shoulders back and down, and the chest presses in towards the thumbs.

C. The crown of the head lifts up, and the chin is parallel to the floor.

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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