Balancing Half Moon Pose Variations
Lightning flash of inspiration today! I taught Balancing Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) with the option to use the wall (see below for concept).
While demonstrating, however, I realized you could also come into the pose from Warrior III and instead of pressing your entire body into the wall, just press the base of your foot! The rest of the body extends out into the middle of the room.
Yes, I realize that what I came up with has been done. A lot. A quick search on the internet proves my lightning flash has struck before. That being said, I thought it enhanced the pose enough that it was worth getting the word out a wee bit more. Yogis reported back that the pose made them feel stable and grounded, created a great stretch along the hips and side, and brought more alignment into the pelvis. Pushing the foot into the wall can also help engage the extended leg.
Another variation of this pose, and a great prep for the standing version, is Knee Down Balancing Half Moon. From a table top position, extend your right leg back. Bring your left foot out to the left a little, creating a diagonal line with the left leg. Taking the weight into your left hand, stack your right hip on top of the left and lift your right arm. Toes should point out to the side. In the end, it looks like Balancing Half Moon in every way, except for the planted knee. I recommend putting a blanket or doubling up the mat under tender knees.
Yogis who are very balanced or who have been practicing a bit longer can play around in Balancing Half Moon in a few ways. You can work with lifting your lowered hand off of the ground and taking chin mudra. You can also bring the arm in the air to the floating foot to bind in Bound Balancing Half Moon. Taking the free hand to the belly or chest can also be a nice reminder of breath and alignment.
See you on the dark side of the moon :)
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| From Yoga Journal |
Yes, I realize that what I came up with has been done. A lot. A quick search on the internet proves my lightning flash has struck before. That being said, I thought it enhanced the pose enough that it was worth getting the word out a wee bit more. Yogis reported back that the pose made them feel stable and grounded, created a great stretch along the hips and side, and brought more alignment into the pelvis. Pushing the foot into the wall can also help engage the extended leg.
Another variation of this pose, and a great prep for the standing version, is Knee Down Balancing Half Moon. From a table top position, extend your right leg back. Bring your left foot out to the left a little, creating a diagonal line with the left leg. Taking the weight into your left hand, stack your right hip on top of the left and lift your right arm. Toes should point out to the side. In the end, it looks like Balancing Half Moon in every way, except for the planted knee. I recommend putting a blanket or doubling up the mat under tender knees.
Yogis who are very balanced or who have been practicing a bit longer can play around in Balancing Half Moon in a few ways. You can work with lifting your lowered hand off of the ground and taking chin mudra. You can also bring the arm in the air to the floating foot to bind in Bound Balancing Half Moon. Taking the free hand to the belly or chest can also be a nice reminder of breath and alignment.
See you on the dark side of the moon :)