Ardha Chandrasana: Asana Of The Day

Yoga is food for your soul and body. It is a form of exercise that re-energises both the body and the mind. So, yoga is basically a good habit that you can cultivate in order to stay healthy. Our yoga asana for today is Ardha Chandrasana. This pose is also called the Crescent Moon pose. 'Chandra' in Sanskrit means the 'moon'. Thus in Ardha Chandrasana, the contours of your body must form a crescent shaped moon.

The Ardha Chandrasana is a special yoga pose. This is because there are different ways to do it. As long as your form the crescent moon in this pose, you can practice any or all of these.

Chandrasana

Steps To Ardha Chandrasana:

  1. Firstly, we will learn to do this asana in the side bending pose.
  2. Stand straight on the floor. Keep your feet together, perpendicular to your body.
  3. Raise your arms over your head and join them in 'namaskaram'.
  4. Then slowly bend to your right side as much as you can with your hands joined above your head.
  5. Bend until your body looks like a crescent moon from the side.
  6. Come back to second step and bend to your left.

Secondly, we will do the back bending type of Chandrasana.

  1. Stand straight with your feet 12 inches (around 1 foot) apart for balance.
  2. Now raise your hands above your head and join them into a 'namaskaram'.
  3. Slowly bend backwards until you can keep balance.
  4. Bend till your body looks like a crescent moon from behind.

Lastly, you will do the knee bending kind of Crescent Moon pose.

  1. Kneel on an exercise mat.
  2. Step forward with your right leg.
  3. Raise your hands over your head and keep them straight.
  4. Push your left feet behind and raise your left knee about 1 feet from the ground.
  5. Bend your arms and body backwards as much as you can.
  6. You will resemble the shape of a new moon.

Benefits Of Ardha Chandrasana

  • This yoga asana will give you the best body stretching. You are literally stretching every muscle in your body.
  • This yoga pose also strengthens the back and allows you to get rid of cramps. But if you already have lower back problems, consult your doctor before you try this.
  • This yoga asana makes the spine more flexible and reduces chances of spine injuries.
  • This yoga pose cuts belly fat and tyres of accumulated fat on your abdomen.
  • On the whole, this yoga pose increases blood circulation in the body and gives you more energy.

Do try the Ardha Chandrasana and reap its benefits.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Story first published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 18:40 [IST]
Read more about: yoga fitness