Half Moon Pose

Half moon pose or ardha chandrasana is for the advanced practitioner of yoga.



It is an advanced standing pose that stretches you body in many directions at once. It provides an excellent stretch to the legs, crown of the head and arms.



It makes the legs and buttocks stronger and legs and hips more flexible. This is an excellent pose for improving balance and coordination.



Focusing on breathing will aid in maintaining balance. Align the body correctly. Your spine should be straight line with your head, shoulders and hips. If you experience any strain in the neck do not look up at the raised head. Avoid this pose if you are tired or have high blood pressure. Balance your back against the wall to maintain the pose will not only balance the body but will also helps you align the body. Do not tense the muscles since it will make your body unstable. 

How it is to be done – standing.

Suitable for – Everybody.

Steps - Actual procedure for that asana.

1. Begin in mountain pose.

2. Exhale when you bend forward through the hips and keep the heels on the floor.

3. Your palms should be on the floor in front of your feet. If your palms cannot reach the floor, keep them on the blocks.

4. Put the weight on the left leg.

5. Exhale when you slowly lift and lengthen your right leg behind.

6. Exhale while pressing your left heel into the floor and lift your right palm from the floor and turn your upper torso to the right.

7. Inhale and stretch your right arm to the ceiling with right shoulder back.

8. Keep on lifting and lengthening your right leg till it is parallel to the floor.

9. Now turn your head so that you can see the right hand with spine straight and neck relaxed.

10. Remain in this pose for 15 to 25 seconds.

11. To leave the pose, exhale when you bring the right leg to the ground and take your left palm off the floor and go back to mountain pose.

12. repeat steps from 2 to 11 for the other side

Benefits to body parts - Stretches body in all direction, especially legs, crown of the head and arms.  Strengthens legs and buttocks. Makes the legs and hips more flexible. Improves balance and coordination.

Precautions - Fatigue, high blood pressure.