Ardha Chandrasana – Half Moon Pose

Ardha Chandrasana or the Half Moon Pose improves coordination and sense of balance. In Sanskrit, Ardha means half, Chandra means moon and Asana is a pose. Ardha Chandrasana also strengthens the legs and spine.

How to do Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)?

1. Stand with legs about 3 feet apart, similar to taking the Trikonasana
2. Raise both hands and bring them parallel to the ground
3. Turn the right feet towards the right making the toes point to the right side.
4. Bend to your right and bring the right hand down next to the right foot. Touch the floor with the fingers for balance.
5. Now bend the right knee till the lower leg is 90 degrees to the thighs.
6. Move further towards your right by dragging the right hand away from the right foot. Let the right palm be on the floor for support. The right leg can be slightly bent at this stage. Simultaneously raise your left leg above the floor. The left hand is pointing to the sky at this stage.
7. Now straighten the right leg and support your entire weight on your right leg as well as the right palm.
8. Make the left leg straight. Let it be parallel to the ground. The left hand remains point straight upwards towards the sky. Try to make the head, neck, trunk and left leg in a straight line as much as possible.
9. Try to prop yourself further up by balancing on the fingers instead of the flat left palm.
10. Remain in this position for as long as you are comfortable. 30 seconds to a minute is enough for beginners.
11. To release the pose, bend the right leg slightly and simultaneously bring down the left leg to the floor. Straighten the right leg and slide the right hand closer to the right foot. Raise yourself up to standing position with both hands still stretched out. Turn the right feet back to the normal front facing position.
12. Repeat the same on the left side.

 

Benefits of Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

1. Ardha Chandrasana is a good pose to develop balance and coordination.
2. It strengthens the legs, ankle, waist, abdomen, spine and arms.
3. Ardha Chandrasana can improve digestion as some parts of the abdomen are toned.
4. It can help to release stress.
5. Ardha Chandrasana can relieve menstrual pain.

 

Contraindications for Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

Do not do Ardha Chandrasana if you have any ankle, knee, wrist, upper arm, waist or shoulder injury. Also, those you have had any recent surgeries should avoid this pose. People with blood pressure problems should not do this. Those who suffer from vertigo or dizziness may do Ardha Chandrasana with some caution and guidance.