by Yoga is great for our physical and mental health. There are asanas that are simple and others that require some effort. Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose is one of the most difficult asanas. This is because it tests your balance as you come down with your standing leg and stabilize your arm, while lifting your raised leg and other arm. Read on to discover the benefits of half-moon pose.
The sun means high-octane energy and passion. The Moon, on the other hand, cools and soothes. Ardha Chandrasana, as the name suggests, brings the serenity and tranquility of the moon, says Dr. Mickey Mehta, global holistic health guru and corporate life coach. The energy of the moon helps develop compassion, empathy and creativity.
In terms of health, sitting for a long time causes tension in the hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteal muscles. You may end up with sore hips, back pain, and swollen legs. So, people who particularly face problems with sitting for too long can try the half-moon pose.
Health Benefits of Half Moon Pose
Half moon pose isn’t just about finding the right balance. It has many advantages:
1. Half Moon Pose Strengthens Your Legs
All the muscles in your legs, especially your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, are engaged when you do this asana. So, half moon pose helps in building leg strength. It also increases the flexibility of your legs, says Dr. Mehta.
2. Half-moon pose improves body balance
As we age, we may have balance problems and tend to fall more often. Practicing half moon pose on both sides can keep you well coordinated and balanced.
3. Half-moon pose gives a good stretch to the body
This full-body stretching pose can loosen your stiff muscles, stretch your hamstrings, hips and arms. It also opens your chest and helps improve the mobility of your body.
4. Half-moon pose helps with cell regeneration
The majority of our toxins are contracted in our organs, and when all the tension and curvatures are combined, it promotes cellular regeneration. Our organs receive nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood when we stretch. Thus, cell regeneration and organ renewal occur, explains the expert.
5. Half-moon pose helps improve concentration
Holding Half Moon Pose for an extended period of time can help improve focus, concentration, and determination.
Tips for doing the half-moon pose
This standing pose doesn’t have many steps, but it is challenging.
• Stand with your legs apart, bend into trikonasana and raise your leg as you try to balance on one foot and one arm.
• Try to hold this pose as much as possible, then 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 your raised leg. All you have to do is place your raised leg on the back of the chair. To make it more comfortable, you can place a blanket for cushioning. Next, you can bring your lower hand onto a block, which can be held under your shoulder.
Focus your attention on the upward movement of the hand and alignment, being perpendicular to the floor. Avoid locking your knees, otherwise you risk losing your balance and it may not help strengthen your legs.
This yoga asana includes a lot of stretching, so wear stretchy clothes to be comfortable!
