Half moon pose

What does Ardha Chandrasana mean

The half-moon pose, called Ardha Chandrasana in Sanskritic derived from ardha, meaning "half," chandra, meaning "moon," and asana meaning "seat" or "posture."

Challenges & benefits of the half-moon pose

The half-moon pose is a challenging pose for balance. You can use a wall behind your back and/or a brick for your hand if you find it hard to stay in the pose. The pose provides a long stretch across the arm and the chest as well as a stretch from your toes to the top of your head. it will help improve your balance, calm down and focus.

How to enter the half moon pose

You can enter the half-moon pose from mountain pose, then the triangle pose.

So start in the mountain pose, grip those kneecaps, spread your toes and calm your mind preparing for the balance. Jump and spread your arms and legs apart, and turn your left foot in and your right leg out to the right, from the root of your leg. Lift your body off your pelvis and stretch to the right side until you can get hold of your ankle.

Once you are in Trikonasana, put your hand on the floor 10 centimetres away from your little toe and bring your left foot in. Move your hand further and bring your back foot in again. Your right leg will bend slightly. Stretch that leg and balance on one foot and hand, looking straight away. That's it , you are in Arda Chandrasana!

How to stay in the half-moon pose

Once you're in the pose you'll feel the femur bone in your right side being pushed into the joint. Keep stretching your arms and pull your chest open, and stretch from your lifted leg to the top of your head.

If you are stable and would like to challenge yourself, turn your head and look up towards your hand!

How to come out of the half-moon pose

Come back from the half-moon pose carefully, make a big step back and first go back to Trikonasa. Stay in trikonasa fo a bit - re-stretching arms and legs. Then lift the body up, turn your toes forward and jump back into Tadasana (mountain pose).