Half Moon Pose, Ardha Chandrasana

How to do Half Moon Pose, Ardha Chandrasana: Yoga Standing Balance Posture

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Ardha Chandrasana – Half Moon Pose standing balance posture requires strength and grace. Make use of your perfect mental focus in this balance and maintain it to come out with control.

1. Start in Triangle Pose on the right side (A). Take your left hand to your sacrum. Bend the right knee and place the right fingertips on the floor, about two hands forward of the right foot (B). At the same time slide the left foot toward the right heel, so that your body weight begins to shift into the right foot.
2. Breathe and stabilise your foundation. Exhale and straighten the right leg, lifting the left leg up until it is parallel with the floor. Be stable and steady on the right leg. Allow the left arm to lie against the left side of the body then turn the left shoulder, chest and hip up toward the ceiling. Stretch the left arm to the sky and gaze up over the left shoulder.

3. To release, lower left leg to the floor, again straighten the right leg and return to Triangle Pose.

Tips

Gaze: The top hand
Build-up Poses:

• Triangle Pose
• Tree Pose
• Standing Splits

Counter Pose:

• Mountain Pose

Lighten:

• Keep your gaze on the big toe of right foot. Keep the left big toe lightly on the floor to develop your balance.
• Start with your heels positioned 10 centimetres (4 inches) from the wall and, in the pose, press with your buttocks and shoulders to the wall.

Effect: Centering
 

Half Moon Pose, Ardha Chandrasana Counter Pose

In yoga we use a counter pose in a sequence; For example, a twist follows a backbend to “neutralise” the spine, or a forward bend follows a backbend to help lengthen the spine and calm the nervous system.