Ardha Chandrasana, or Half Moon Pose, is a standing balance that combines one-leg support, hip opening and spinal length. A wall and block make the alignment easier to study.
Navigator
Preparation
- Practise Triangle Pose.
- Use a wall-supported standing balance.
- Move through a gentle Warrior II sequence.
- Place a block beside the front foot.
Steps
- Begin in Triangle Pose or a short lunge.
- Place the lower hand on a block in front of the standing foot.
- Shift weight gradually into the standing leg.
- Lift the back leg until the pelvis remains controlled.
- Open the torso and raise the upper arm if balance is steady.
- Keep the standing knee soft.
- Return slowly to the starting position.
Modifications
- Keep the back foot on a wall.
- Practise with the back against a wall.
- Keep the upper hand on the hip.
- Use a higher block.
- Lift the back leg only a small distance.
Common mistakes
- Locking the standing knee.
- Turning the chest before balance is stable.
- Placing too much weight on the lower hand.
- Holding the breath.
Practice limits
Use wall support when balance is uncertain. Leave the pose when the standing ankle, knee, hip or lower back feels sharply strained. Learn bound and revolving variations from a qualified yoga teacher.
It is helpful but difficult to perform for a beginner like me. But the feelings of sun and moon gives me a nice feelings.
Thnx @Yogahealth, for your valuable comment, not to worry about this, if you feel this pose difficult then try basic level Asana and slowly – slowly increase the difficulties, and one day you’ll be able to perform this pose, But daily practice is must for this. So best of luck and keep practicing.