ARDHA CHANDRASANA (HALF-MOON POSE)
Welcome to Ashtanga Yoga Collection Project!
At AYA, we are attempting to demystify any secrets and misgivings about Ashtanga Yoga.
The following article will try to provide comprehensive and neutral information from various subject-matter experts about Ashtanga Yoga Postures and Practices. We have called this 'Ashtanga Yoga Collection' Project. This project aims to become a ready-reckoner and a reference for yoga teachers and enthusiasts training in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Although it is not an open forum, we invite participation from Ajarya Teachers as also yoga teachers from all over the world. All your submissions will be reviewed by our panel before they are published online.
Physiology:
- Stretching of anterior muscles from neck to pelvis creates initiation of the internal organs and brings homeostasis around the internal organs (chakras)
- Stretch of abdominals and pelvic muscle initiates the ANS of internal organs and improves their function like; Digestion, Heart beat (cardiac output), purification (diffusion & perfusion)4
- Reproductive organs functions like maintains the strength of uterus and menstrual cycles in females, production of sperms and voluntary control of ejaculation process in males.
- Expansion of chest enhances the breast growth.
- Good for pelvic muscle strength as preterm course for pregnant.
- Enhance the metabolism with Thyroid gland stimulation4
- Flexibility of spine improves awareness of extremities in all activities.
- This is a Diaphragm restricted posture. So there is dependency on accessory muscles of respiration like abdominals and intercostal muscles. After a stretch, these muscles brings the whole body back to neutral position along with exhalation (Abdominals can bear the weight of upper body while coming back)1(pg281)
- Balance & awareness3
Spiritual Growth:
- Ardha means Half, Chandra means Moon.
- Most effect among all of these is at Abdomino-pelvic region (Swadhishtana chakra)1
Suthra:
- Beginners should take wide BOS for better stability.
- Gravitational pull is primary than muscle effort.
- Progress the posture in terms of decreasing the BOS and increasing the right knee flexion
- Breathe as much comfortable as possible instead of prolonged periods until expertise.
Contributors to Ardhachandrasana Page
The Half Moon Posture has been demonstrated by Ms Niharika Raval, who is a part of YogaArchanam Project at Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, pursuing PhD in Dance
The Ardha Chandrasana Procedure has been provided by Sri Viral Raval, who is a part of YogaArchanam Project at Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, pursuing PhD in Yoga
The limitations and berefits of Ardha Chandrasana have been given by Ms Niharika Raval
The Physiology of Ardha Chandrasana has been designed and provided by Dr E Amaravathi, a Master in Phsiotherapy currently pursuing PhD in Yoga
The Scientific Explanation and Clinical Significance (available only to registered Ajarya teachers) of Ardha Chandrasana has been provided by Dr E Amaravathi,
Please write to us if you wish to become a Ajarya Contributor!