Ardha Chandrasana: 5 Health Benefits of Half Moon Yoga Pose

Yoga is great for our physical and mental health. There are some asanas that are simple and there are those that require some effort. Ardha Chandrasana or half moon pose is one of the challenging asanas. This is because it tests your balance as you step down with your supporting leg and stabilize your arm while lifting your raised leg and 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 the serenity and tranquility of the moon, says Dr. Mickey Mehta, global leading holistic health guru and corporate life coach. The moon’s energy helps develop compassion, empathy and creativity.

When it comes to health, sitting for a long time causes tightness in the hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteal muscles. You could end up with hip pain, back pain, and swollen legs. Therefore, people who particularly deal with the problem of sitting for a long time can try the half-moon pose.

Health Benefits of Half Moon Pose

The half-moon pose isn’t just about getting the balance right. It has many benefits:

1. Half-Moon Pose Strengthens Your Legs

All the leg muscles, especially the glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings, are worked when you do this asana. Therefore, the half-moon pose helps to increase leg strength. It also increases leg flexibility, says Dr. Mehta.

2. The half-moon pose improves body balance

As we age, we may have balance problems and tend to fall more frequently. Practicing half-moon pose on both sides can keep you well-coordinated and balanced.

3. Half moon pose provides a good body stretch

This full-body stretching pose can relax stiff muscles, stretch your hamstrings, hips and arms. It also opens the chest and helps improve body mobility.

4. Half moon posture helps with cell regeneration

Most of our toxins are contracted in our organs and when all the stresses and curves are combined, it promotes cell regeneration. Our organs receive nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood as we stretch. Thus, cell regeneration and organ renewal take place”, says the specialist.

5. The half-moon pose helps improve concentration

Holding the half-moon pose for a prolonged period can help improve concentration, focus and determination.

Tips for doing half moon pose

There are not many steps involved in this standing pose, but it is challenging.

Stand with your legs apart, bend into trikonasana and lift your leg while trying to balance on one foot and one arm.
Try to hold this pose for as long as you can and repeat on the other side.

You can also do half-moon pose with a block and a chair. You can use a chair to support the raised leg. All you need to do is rest your raised leg on the back of the chair. To make yourself more comfortable, you can place a blanket to cushion it. Then you can place your bottom hand on a block, which can be held below your shoulder.

It is important to focus your attention on the upward movement of the hand and the alignment, being perpendicular to the ground. Avoid locking your knees or you may lose your balance and this may not help strengthen your legs.

This yoga asana includes a lot of stretching, so wear stretchy clothing to feel comfortable!