Ardha Chandrasana
(Half Moon Pose)
-Steps And Benefits
Here is a challenging Asana from the text of Hatha Yoga. The word “Ardha Chandrasana” is taken from Sanskrit word in which Ardha stands for Half, Chandra represents Moon and the meaning of Asana is the seat, pose or posture. Moon is great symbol according to yoga mythology. In the Human anatomy, Sun and the moon represent the solar energies. If we see in the Word Hatha Yoga, in this “Ha” represents solar energies and “Tha” is the symbol of lunar energies. Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) looks like the flat edge of a half moon, so that’s why it named as Half Moon Pose.
Preparatory Poses
Virasana, Supta Virasana,Vriksasana, Uttanasana, Baddha Konasana (Bound angle pose or Cobbler pose), Prasarita Padottanasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Supta Padangusthasana, Utthita Parsvottanasana, Utthita Parsvakonasana, Utthita Trikonasana.
Follow-Up Poses
Prasarita Padottanasana, Parsvottanasana, Parivrtta Trikonasana
Steps of Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
- First, come into the pose of Trikonasana on your right side and keep your left hand on your left side of the hip.
- After that, inhale, during this gently bent your right knee and try to keep your same foot around 12 inches forward along with keeping your right hand in forwarding direction and keep it apart from your right foot toes.
- Then breathe out and slightly move your right hand to the ground or floor. Press the floor with your right hand. After that, keep your right leg straight. During this raise your alternate leg (left leg) off the floor. Remember that, it’s parallel to the ground.
- Now, try to maintain your balance, at that time don’t lock your right knee. You have to keep your knee cap straight and it does not range inwards.
- Bend your upper trunk (torso) heading your left, and move your left hip part slowly in the straight direction.
- Keep your left hand on your left side of the hip and your head should be in a position of gazing forward.
- Maintain whole body weight on the leg in which you are standing on.
- Press the floor by your lower hand it will help you to gain the balance.
- Make sure you firmly push the scapulas and sacrum against the back of your torso.
- Ensure you solidly drive the scapulas and sacrum against the back of your trunk (torso).
- Remain in the pose for a few seconds. After that put down your left leg down to the floor and come to your initial position. Repeat the same process on the opposite side.
The Benefits of Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
- Beneficial in better coordination, increases your concentration and balance of your body.
- Half Moon Pose is the best stress buster and improves your digestive system.
- This Yoga Pose makes your ankles, thighs, buttocks, spine and core area stronger.
- Ardha Chandrasana lower down your lowers back problems.
- It gives your calves, hamstrings, chest, shoulders, calves groin, shoulders and spine very good stretch.
- Ardha Chandrasana is Beneficial in menstrual disorders in women and relieves pain in your legs.
Yoga Tips for Beginner
Use a block to help you out for touching the ground with your lower hand. Take the highest block in starting and day by day decrease the size as you maintain balance your body and feel comfortable. In staring you find some difficulties to touch the ground with your lower hand.
NOTE
Look straight in neck problems, try to gaze straight and keep your neck long. In the neck, problem doesn’t look up. If you are facing problems like- Insomnia, Low blood pressure, Diarrhea, headaches, and migraines; then don’t attempt this Yoga Pose.
