Yoga is great for our physical and mental health. There are some asanas that are simple, but there are also asanas that require some effort. Ardha Chandrasana or the half moon pose is one of the challenging asanas. It tests your balance as you lower your supporting leg and stabilize your arm while lifting your raised leg and the other arm. Read on to discover the benefits of the half moon pose.
The Sun is all about high-octane energy and passion. The moon, on the other hand, is cooling and calming. Ardha Chandrasana, as the name suggests, brings about the serenity and tranquility of the moon, says world leading holistic health guru and corporate life coach Dr. Mickey Mehta. The energy of the moon helps develop compassion, empathy and creativity.
Health-wise, sitting for long periods of time causes tight hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes. You may get sore hips, back and swollen legs. So people who are mainly dealing with the problems of sitting for too long can try the half-moon pose.
Health benefits of the half moon pose
The Half Moon pose is not just about finding the right balance. It has many advantages:
1. Half moon pose strengthens your legs
All your leg muscles, especially your glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings, are worked when you do this asana. The half-moon position therefore helps to build leg strength. It also increases the flexibility of your legs, says Dr. Mehta.
2. Half moon pose improves body balance
As we get older, we may experience balance problems and tend to fall more often. Practicing the half-moon pose on both sides will help you stay well-coordinated and balanced.
3. Half moon pose gives good body stretching
This full-body stretching pose can relax your stiff muscles and stretch your hamstrings, hips and arms. It also opens your chest and helps improve your body’s mobility.
4. Crescent pose helps in cell regeneration
The majority of our toxins are contracted in our organs, and when all the tension and bends combine, it promotes cell regeneration. Our organs receive nutrients and oxygenated blood as we stretch. So cell regeneration and organ renewal takes place, says the expert.
5. Crescent pose helps improve concentration
Holding the half-moon pose for long periods of time can help improve concentration, focus and determination.
Tips for doing the half moon pose
There aren’t too many steps involved in this standing pose, but it is a challenge.
• Stand with your legs apart, bend into trikonasana and lift your leg up while trying to balance on one foot and one arm.
• Try to hold this position for as long as possible and then repeat on the other side.
You can also do the half-moon pose with a block and a chair. You can use a chair to support your raised leg. All you have to do is rest your raised leg on the back of the chair. To make it more comfortable, you can place a blanket for cushioning. You can then bring your bottom hand to a block that you can hold under your shoulder.
It is important to focus your attention on the upward movement of the hand and its alignment, perpendicular to the ground. Be careful not to lock your knees or you may lose your balance and it may not help strengthen your legs.
This yoga asana contains a lot of stretch, so wear stretchy clothes to be comfortable!