Half Moon Pose - Ardha Chandrasana The Half Moon Pose or Ardha Chandrasana is one that has a much broader appeal because it can be practiced by absolutely anyone, irrespective of age or gender. Yoga is an ancient discipline and there are many traces of mythology in it. The moon and sun are particularly significant and in hatha yoga they are often found to be representative of the polar energies of our being.
Techniques: - Stand with your feet about six inches apart and relax your back.
- Palms facing outwards raise your arms until they are in front of your chest, elbows bent.
- Now place your arms on your hips.
- Slowly bend backwards. Look up at the ceiling, maintain your balance and hold the pose for about 10 seconds.
- Concentrate on the stretch in your chest and shoulders.
- Return to upright position. Release your hands and relax your neck, spine and shoulders.
Benefits: The Half Moon Pose offers a variety of health benefits, as do almost all yoga asanas or poses. This pose however is particularly beneficial for the hips. It strengthens the hip abductors, and the connected muscles in the region like the femoris, obdurate, piriformis and quadrates. Its benefits however are not restricted simply to the hips. It also stretches the hamstring muscles and strengthens and tones the arms and shoulders. The ankles, thighs, buttocks, calves, groins and the legs as a whole are strengthened significantly. In addition to strengthening the muscles it also improves the practitioner’s sense of balance and equilibrium. This pose also helps improve digestion, and can also improve a person’s temperament or mood.
Contraindications:
As with a number of other poses the Half Moon Pose should not be attempted if suffering from certain health problems, injuries or diseases as it may aggravate the problem or result in further injury.
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