joyyoga:

Ardha Chandrasana Yoga Pose of the Week!

Also Known As Half Moon Pose

Prenounced (are-dah chan-DRAHS-anna)  

What does it mean?

Ardha meaning “half”, Candra or Chandra meaning “moon” or “luminous, as in the light from the moon”, and Asana  meaning “posture” or “seat”.

The moon is symbolic in yoga mythology. Hatha, as in hatha yoga, is sometimes taken to mean sun and moon from the syllables “ha” and “tha” representing solar and lunar energies. Yoga means “yoke”, so hatha yoga is a binding or yoking together of solar and lunar energies. Chandra is also the golden moon god known as Soma. Soma is the elixir of immortality drunk by the gods. So in doing the posture Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), one tunes into the unconscious energy of the moon which changes by waxing and waning.

How do you do it?

1. Starting from Trikonasana on the right side, exhale bend your right knee and place the right hand a few inches forward across from your right foot.

2. Inhale placing left hand on left hip as you straighten your right leg the left leg will begin to lift from floor toes pointing up.

3. To help you find balance begin to stack hips, open chest slightly to the left, flex left foot and find a Drishti meaning a focus point to keep your gaze on.

4. Eventually when you’re ready stretch the left arm up so that it is in line with the shoulders.

5. Hold this pose for 3-5 breaths. Then switch to opposite side.

Tips

Many beginning students have difficulty touching the floor with their lower hand, even when resting it on the fingertips. These students should support their hand on a block. Start with the block at its highest height and, if your balance is steady and comfortable, lower it down first to its middle height, then finally if possible to its lowest height.

Variation

To increase the challenge of this pose, raise the lower hand away from the floor.  Balancing on the standing leg for 15 to 30 seconds.

Benefits

• Strengthens the abdomen, ankles, thighs, buttocks, and spine
• Stretches the groins, hamstrings and calves, shoulders, chest, and spine
• Improves coordination and sense of balance
• Helps relieve stress
• Improves digestion

(via getyouryogaon)