Traditional
Half Moon Pose
Ardha Chandrasana
Balance on one leg as the torso and top leg open to the side.
- Benefits
- Builds strength, mobility, and breathing awareness with steady alignment. Particularly helpful for feeling steady and present.
- Props
- No-props
- Hold Time
- 5 to 8 breaths
- Cautions and Contraindications
- Practice within a pain-free range. Reduce depth or use props for knee, low back, neck, wrist, or shoulder sensitivity.
- Entering Half Moon Pose
- Begin in Triangle Pose or a lunge with the front hand on the floor or block. Shift the weight into the front foot and lift the back leg to hip height. Open the chest and stack the top hip over the standing leg. Take a steady inhale to create length, then use the exhale to settle into the final shape.
- Exiting Half Moon Pose
- Lower the lifted leg with control. Return to Triangle Pose or a lunge before changing sides. Pause in a neutral position for a moment before continuing.