By Karen Watson Reeves
Ardha Chandrasana, the Sanskrit name for Half-Moon Pose, is a challenging standing balance pose. And in case it looks a little intimidating, I included a second photo of a modification that is also a very strong pose, even without the standing balance aspect.
This pose is an energetic yoga posture that encourages the extension of the torso in one direction and lifting the leg in another direction while reaching the arm in yet another, like the shining moon in the night sky. To master this pose, dedication, surrender, and a willingness to fall and laugh are important aspects.
If falling does not sound appealing as you begin to practice this pose, standing next to a wall for the backside of the body to lean against is very helpful. A block under the lower hand is another good aid. The laughter was not inherent for me in this photo, as a loss of balance would have resulted in a tumble down West Mountain!
A stronger lower body will be a benefit of Half-Moon. Legs, glutes, quads, and hamstrings will all be strengthened. Sciatic pain may be relieved as the irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve can be soothed. As in all standing balance poses, Half-Moon also improves a sense of balance, bringing better coordination and sense of mental and physical balance as one practices.
Standing balance poses require a great amount of focus and concentration, so a calmer mind is a benefit of Half-Moon, and calm minds help achieve a happy and positive outlook. Self-awareness and proprioception, knowing where one’s body is in space, also grow with a practice of this pose.
This posture is graceful and helps to activate the opposing sides in the body, much like the moon is the opposing light to the sun. Don’t be afraid to try it (though maybe not on the edge of West Mountain for the first time), don’t be afraid to fall or laugh or to modify. When you master the pose the first time, you will feel like the moon shining in the dark sky.
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher and a registered children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She has taught children and family yoga in many settings, and would welcome an opportunity to help your family stay physically active during this time of quarantine. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. www.TheYogaPlaceHS.com.
