Half Moon pose (Ardha Chandrasana) is a challenging pose for me. I find the balancing difficult. And the fact that I can’t do it well, makes me want to do it even less. This seems like a loud and clear call to practice half moon! Not quite in love with this pose yet but we’re working through it 😉
Benefits
- Challenges and works balance
- Both strengthens and stretches the spine
- Strengthens abdominals, thighs, ankles and buttocks
- Tones lower back muscles
- Helps with sciatica
- Improves digestion
- Relieves anxiety and fatigue
- Helps with focus and concentration
- Can be very humbling … yet also fun!
A Few Tips
- Use a block under the lower hand
- Use the wall for balance. Even if you are not touching, it may help you develop more confidence in the pose
- Find a place of focus for your eyes and gaze softly (drishti)
- Start with the upper hand on the hip, gaze down. As balance improves, extend the arm towards the ceiling and turn your gaze up
- Breath steadily and set an intention of both grounding (stability) and expansion (growth)
- If you fall, don’t dwell. Reset and carry on!
