Heart opening Ardha Chandrasana

The practice of Ardha Chandrasana increases concentration, makes you stronger and empowers you to be more balanced physically and inwardly. In Sanskrit, Ardha means half and Chandra translates to moon. Asana refers to pose or posture, the suffix to all the yoga pose names. Regular practice of Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon pose improves coordination and motor reflexes which play a critical role in maintaining the body's balance and posture.

More Advantages of Ardha Chandrasana Pose:

• Enhances breathing by opening the chest, rib cage and upper back

• Strengthens the legs, hips, ankles and feet

• Rotates the joints of the vertebrae, maintaining the suppleness of the spinal muscles

• Lengthens the lower back, tones the lumbar and sacral spine

• Stretches the key hip flexor muscles

• Helps relieve sciatica

• Improves circulation in the feet

• Strengthens the abdominal muscles

Contraindications: Back, neck or shoulder injuries; recent hip, ankle, knee or abdominal surgeries; migraine or eye strain. Avoid this pose unless you are practising under the supervision of a qualified teacher.

Ardha Chandrasana Pose