Health Benefits of Ardha Chandrasana and How to Practice It
The word yoga means to connect or unite. To connect with the self, the divine self or the soul. There are eight different parts of yoga which include yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. When all of them are performed, enlightenment is attained. The asanas and pranayama of yoga can help in curing various health conditions and managing their symptoms.
There are different yoga asanas and each of them has its own benefits. One of them is Ardha ChandrasanaAlso known as the Half Moon PoseThis asana benefits the lower back, abdomen, and chest. The name, Ardha Chandrasana, is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ardha,” meaning “half,” “Chandra,” meaning “moon,” and “Asana,” meaning “posture.” When you complete this pose, your body resembles the image of a half moon and is hence known as the half moon pose. This asana is known to have several health benefits.
But first, let’s see how to perform the pose correctly.
- Stand with both feet touching from heel to big toe, keeping your back straight and your arms pressed lightly against your sides with your palms facing inward.
- Then, bring your hands together at chest level with your palms lightly pressed against each other.
- Inhale and raise your arms up while keeping your palms lightly pressed together.
- Then, arch your body backwards, keeping your arms along your neck and head. Also, tilt your head back and hold this position.
- Make sure to keep your knees straight while holding the asana.
- Then slowly return to your starting position and relax.
Health Benefits of Ardha Chandrasana
Improves balance and stability
This pose helps strengthen the core muscles, thus improving balance and stability. To maintain it, it is also necessary to activate the abdominal and back muscles, which helps improve overall body coordination.
Strengthen legs and ankles
This pose works the quads, hamstrings, calves, and ankles, thereby toning the muscle and improving lower body strength. It also helps prevent injuries by increasing ankle stability.
Opens the chest and shoulders
This pose helps you to deeply stretch your chest, shoulders and upper back, thereby improving your posture and increasing your lung capacity. This can help you breathe better and reduce tension in your upper body.
Improves hip flexibility
This pose stretches the hip flexor muscles and the outer thighs, which increases flexibility in the hips. This can also help reduce tension in the lower back and the risk of hip injuries.
Strengthens the spine
This pose helps strengthen the spine, especially the lower back muscles. It helps maintain healthy spinal alignment and can reduce back pain.
Increase your concentration
By maintaining balance in this pose, it is necessary to coordinate several movements, which improves concentration and mental focus. The posture encourages mindfulness, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Improves digestion
This pose helps stimulate the abdominal organs, which can aid digestion. It helps gently massage the digestive organs, which helps improve digestion and relieve constipation.
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