Introduction
Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Mudra is an asana. Sanskrit: Ardhachandrasana; Ardha - Half, Chandra - Moon, Asana - Mudra
Chandra means moon in
Sanskrit, and the word also refers to the brightness of the moon. This
pose resembles the flat edge of a half moon as the torso and raised legs draw a
line. The energy in the standing leg and outstretched hand is said to radiate
like a bright moon.
Yoga mythology places the moon in great symbolism. The Sun and the Moon
are representatives of the polar energies of human anatomy. This
asana is one of the hatha yoga asanas, and it is said to channelize your lunar
energy.
Ardha Chandrasana is an asana to increase the balance of the body. This asana also helps in improving the body's ability to increase balance in the weak bones. The bones of the feet, spine and hands are also strengthened by the practice of Ardha Chandrasana. This asana improves the blood circulation and enhances the nutritional capacity of nutrients.
This asana should be
practiced on an empty stomach. You should make it a point to eat your
meals four to six hours before exercise so that the food is digested, and ready
to expel energy. Also, make sure your bowels are empty before exercise.
For best results yoga should be practiced in the morning or evening.
How to do Ardha
Chandrasana
- Start in triangle pose (trikonasana) with the right leg forward. Slowly bend your right knee and bring your left hand to your hip.
- Bring your right hand to the floor in front of your right foot. When you're in full pose, your hand should be under your shoulder, so to set it in the correct position, place it about a foot in front of you and 5 or 6 inches to the right of your right foot.
- Bend your hand so that just your fingers are on the floor.
- Begin to straighten your right leg while lifting your left leg off the floor. Keep your left leg as straight as possible.
- Open your hips, stacking the left hip point on top of the right hip point.
- Bring your left leg straight and parallel to the floor. Strongly flex your left foot with the toes pointing to the left of the room.
- When you feel the right leg balanced, lift the left arm up towards the ceiling, opening the chest to form a straight line with the right and left arm off the floor.
- Finally, turn your head so that your gaze points to your pointed fingers.
- Balance here for about five breaths before dropping the left foot on the floor and repeating the pose on the other side.
Benefits of Ardha Chandrasana:
- This yoga asana helps in improving body balance and increases awareness. One becomes aware of his body.
- It strengthens the hamstrings, thighs and ankles. Practicing this asana helps in strengthening the thighs, ankles, buttocks, abdomen and spine.
- Keeps the thighs strong while helping to relieve back pain.
- This asana strengthens the muscles of the buttocks, spine and abdomen.
- The process of digestion improves to a great extent with the help of this asana.
- Regular practice of this asana improves balance and coordination to a great extent.
- This asana also helps you with balance and focus and gives you a sense of better coordination.
- It acts as a stress reliever.
- It also provides relief from menstrual disorders and pain in legs.
- The pose helps in reducing low back problems.
- Ardha Chandrasana relieves stiffness in the lower back and tones the sacred area. It develops the feet by strengthening the lateral muscles of the knees and feet.
- It reduces the pressure in the abdominal region. This pose also improves coordination and balance.
- This is a good standing pose for women who are menstruating and can be taken with the back against the wall.
Precautions
- People with neck problems should look straight, keeping their neck long. Don't look upwards.
- Avoid doing this asana if you have the following problems.
- Migraine and headache
- Low blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Sleep
