Ardha mean half. Baddha means bound, restrained, caught, withheld. Padma is a lotus. Uttana is an intense stretch.
Effects:
Stiffness of the knees is cured by this asana. As the abdominal organs are contracted, digestive powers increase and the peristaltic activity helps to eliminate toxin creating waste matter. The pose helps one to move the shoulders further back. This expands the chest and helps in breathing freely and deeply.
