Ardha bhujangasana is a beginner backbend that puts less strain on the back than bhujangasana, which is one of the most common poses practiced across many styles of yoga and is part of the Sun Salutation vinyasa. The name comes from the Sanskrit, ardha, meaning 'half' bhujanga, meaning 'cobra,' 'snake' or 'serpent' and asana, which means 'pose' or 'posture.'