Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana – Revolved Half Moon Pose

Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana or the Revolved Half Moon pose is a challenging balancing asana that strengthens the core abdominal muscles, the spine, the hamstrings and the leg muscles. In Sanskrit, Parivrtta means revolved, Ardha means half, Chandra means the moon and Asana means a yoga posture.

Parivtta Ardha Chandrasana improves digestion and metabolism and creates a sense of awareness and balance, improving confidence level.

How to do Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose)

1. Start in the Ardha Chandrasana This is done by balancing on your right foot and extending the left leg keeping it parallel to the ground. The right hand is extended forward. This is the Ardha Chandrasana pose.
2. Now, turn your head downwards and look towards the floor. Bring down the right hand to touch the floor with your extended fingers.
3. Twist your torso and simultaneously raise the left hand with the palm pointing upwards.
4. In the process, also turn your head to look upwards or towards the raised left pam.
5. Adjust your spine and hips to become comfortable in this position. Remember to twsit or revolve the torso to attain this final pose. Remain in this final position for as long as you are comfortable.
6. To release the pose, bring down the left arm. Bring back the left leg to the ground and come back to the standing position.
7. Repeat the same by balancing on the left foot and extending your right legs horizontal to the ground.
8. You must have noticed the difference between Ardha Chandrasana and Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana. In Ardha Chandrasana, you extend the the right hand upwards when balancing on the right foot. But in Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana, it is the left hand which is raised upwards while balancing on the right foot. This results in the required twist of the torso, compressing and toning the abdominal organs.

 

Benefits of Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose)

1. Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana or revolved half-moon pose creates a twist of the abdomen. This tones the digestive and reproductive organs.
2. It improves digestion and tones the liver.
3. Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana stimulates your metabolism and detoxifies the body.
4. It strengthens the ankles, the calf and the thigh and the hip muscles.
5. It strengthens the rectus abdominis or the ABS muscles.
6. Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana stretches the hamstrings and the groin and the leg muscles.
7. It stretches the side body improving flexibility and strengthens the spine.
8. It reduces anxiety and stress and gives a relaxed feeling.
9. This pose is also a balancing pose. Staying in this posture for up to a minute improves the sense of body balance, thereby raising the level of confidence and awareness.

Contraindications of Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana

1. Do this pose with caution if you suffer from any vertigo problem.
2. If you have any back or spine injury, avoid this pose completely. Also, don’t do it if you have any shoulder or neck injury or problem.
3. If you have any ankle or knee injury, do not do this pose.