Ardha Chandrasana: Half Moon Pose
ADJUSTMENTSÂ Â | Â Â BENEFITS Â | Â Â SEQUENCINGÂ Â | Â Â SANSKRITÂ Â | Â Â STEPS
Ardha chandrasana (ARE-dah chan-DRAHS-anna), or half moon pose, is a challenging balance posture. However, there are many modifications and variations to make the shape accessible to everyone.
Philosophy + Origin
The Sanskrit word “chandra” is often translated simply as “moon,” and actually has a much richer meaning. More than just the moon, the chandra refers to something that is glittering and shining, a brilliant object that is illuminated by light or emanating light on its own. In many traditional yogic texts and stories, the moon symbolizes one half of the two polar energies in the body. The moon, which is the feminine or dark aspect, is nurturing, tranquil, and receptive.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Place your bottom hand on a block to help encourage proper alignment and aid balance.
- Focus your gaze down or straight ahead to prevent neck discomfort.
- Keep your standing leg bent as much as needed.
- Practice with your back body against the wall for added support and alignment cues. This is a great modification for pregnancy.
- Place the sole of your lifted foot against a wall for added balance.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Begin in an extended triangle pose with your right foot forward. Bend your right knee and place your right fingertips on the ground or on a block about 12 to 18 inches in front of your foot.
- Shift your weight into your right foot as you draw your left foot forward along the floor. Your right kneecap should be facing straight ahead, not inward.
- Lift your left foot off the floor, pressing through the heel so that your foot stays flexed. Lengthen from your tailbone to your lifted heel.
- Square your chest toward the side of your mat that you are facing.
- Keep your weight primarily in your right leg, using your bottom hand as little as possible, primarily as a guide for balance.
- Adjust your gaze slowly, either looking down, straight ahead or up at the left hand. Work to stay in the pose for up to 60 seconds before lowering the left leg back to the floor and returning to the extended triangle. Repeat on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- Reclined hand to big toe pose | Supta padangusthasana
- Extended triangle pose | Utthita trikonasana
- Tree pose | Vrksasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES:
- Sugarcane pose | Ardha chandra chapasana
- Warrior II | Virabhadrasana II
- Side plank | Vasisthasana
COUNTER POSES:
- Head to knee pose | Janu Sirsasana
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
- Wide-legged forward fold | Prasarita Padottanasana
SANSKRIT:
- Ardha = half
- Chandra = moon
- Asana = pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Expands chest and shoulders.
- Strengthens core, ankles, thighs, glutes, spine.
- Stretches groin, hamstrings, shoulders, chest.
ENERGETIC BENEFITS:
- Expands energetic bodies.
- Relieves physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.
- Reduces stress.
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Malasana: Squat Pose or Garland Pose
ADJUSTMENTSÂ Â | Â Â BENEFITSÂ Â | Â Â CONTRAINDICATIONSÂ Â | Â Â MANTRAÂ Â | Â Â MUDRAÂ Â | Â Â PREP POSESÂ Â | Â Â SANSKRITÂ Â | Â Â STEPSÂ Â | Â Â TIPS
A great stretch for ankles and the lower back, Malasana (mahl-AH-sana), which is also referred to as Squat or Garland pose, opens the groin and tones the belly. While comfortable for some, Malasana can be difficult for others. Appropriate adjustments and modifications can help students enjoy the benefits of this posture while strengthening and opening the muscles needed to practice Malasana and other postures.
Philosophy + Origin
There are many beautiful attempts to defend the translation of Malasana as “Garland Pose.” While mala most commonly refers to a garland or rosary, many students have a difficult time understanding how this imagery applies to the pose. Some teachers argue that the shape of the body depicts the bead on a mala, or perhaps the arms look like a mala or garland hanging from the neck. Other teachers will use the story of how this posture is traditionally taken when receiving the gift of a garland from a spiritual teacher. While all very poetic, there’s another lesser-known understanding of Malasana that makes more sense. The word mala can also be translated as excrement. Considering the digestive benefits of this posture, it makes a lot more sense.
