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.
The Procedure:
- Practice Ashwa sanchalanasana.
- In the final position maintain the balance and raise the hands, bringing the palms together in front of the chest in prayer position.
- Keeping the palms together, raise the arms up over the head.
- Arch the head and upper trunk as far as comfortable without straining.
- There should be a gentle curve from the tips of the fingers to the tips of the toes, resembling a crescent moon.
- Balance in the final position.
- To release, lower the hands back to prayer position then smoothly to the floor, and look forward, returning to ashwa sanchalasana.
- Releasing ashwa sanchalanasana return to its starting position.
- These complete one round of Ardhachandrasana. Continue with the forward and backward lunges on this side.
- Relax in vajrasana
- Practice an equal number of rounds on the other side
- Practice 5 to 10 rounds.
Benefits:
- This asana limbers (promotes limbs flexibility) and strengthens the entire skeletal structure, by stretching well the neck, shoulders, back and chest muscles.
- It releases ill feelings of chest congestion.
- It improves the sense of balance.
Limitations:
- Not for people with injured knees, ankles or back injuries
Clinical Significance:
IBS, Chest congestion, low Lung capacity, Back pain, constipation, piles, post natal conditions, Thyroid, and Pancreas disturbances, etc.
Contributors to Ardha chandrasana Page
- The Half Moon Posture has been demonstrated by Ms Niharika Raval, who is a part of Yoga Archanam 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 Yoga Archanam Project at Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, pursuing PhD in Yoga
- The limitations and benefits of Ardha Chandrasana been given by Ms Niharika Raval
- The Physiology of Ardha Chandrasana been designed and provided by Dr E Amaravathi, a Master in Physiotherapy currently pursuing PhD in Yoga and also teaching at Ajarya Yoga Academy
- The Scientific Explanation and Clinical Significance (available only to registered Ajarya teachers) of Ardha Chandrasana been provided by
Dr E Amaravathi,teaching currently at Ajarya Yoga Academy
Please write to us if you wish to become a Ajarya Contributor!