Yoga Posture Guide: The Half – moon Pose (Ardhachandra-asana)

Posture:  Ardhachandra-asana - The Half-moon Pose Translation:  The Sanskrit word ardha means "half," and the word chandra means "moon," thus, this is the "half-moon" posture.     Pronunciation:  ard-ha-chun-drah-sa-na 

Difficulty Level: (2)  

The ardha-chandra-asana is a basic stretching and balancing pose that benefits principally the lower back, abdomen, and chest. It is equally suitable for use in your stretching routine as well as formal asana practice. 

This pose is also one of the postures that are sequenced in surya-namaskar (the Sun Salutation). 

Instructions: 

• Stand in the tada-asana (Stand with both feet touching from the heel to the big toe, keeping the back straight and the arms pressed slightly against the sides with palms facing inward. 
• Bring the hands together at the chest with palms lightly pressed against each other (the Anjali-mudra). 
• Inhale and raise the arms straight up keeping the palms pressed lightly together. 
• Arch your body backward keeping your arms alongside your neck and head, tilt the head backward and hold. Keep your knees straight while holding posture. 
• Slowly return to the tada-asana. 

Duration/Repetitions: Repeat ardha-chandra-asana two to three times.