The Half Moon pose is a great asana that has a meaningful symbol behind its concept: the moon. It will channel your body’s lunar energy. First of all, you should always practice this pose on an empty stomach. So, do it first thing in the morning. The entire pose should not last more than 30 seconds. Here are its main steps and benefits.
How to Do the Half Moon Pose
Start the pose from a standing position at one edge of the yoga mat. Bring the right foot back as you would do in a Low Lunge pose. Your other leg must remain grounded with the entire sole pressing into the mat. From here, you must activate your core area while you place your right hand near your right hip and extend your right foot backwards.Your gaze should be facing your left hand. Engage all your muscles, especially the quads and glutes. Anchor your left foot’s four corners, pressing it into the mat for a better support. Rotate your lower torso until your right hip is stacked on top of the left hip. In other words, both hips should remain parallel to your room’s side wall instead of the ground.
Extend your right hand up, reaching with your fingers towards the ceiling while your other hand remains near the floor with the fingers pressing on the mat. The palm of the top extended hand should face your room’s right side. Create more space between your shoulders and ears by opening your chest and pushing the shoulders backwards. Try to imagine that you are holding a slim pencil or a stick in between the shoulder blades. Maintain the Half Moon pose for about five deep and slow breaths. You can release this asana the same way you start it. Also, you must repeat it for your other side as well for this pose to work. After gaining a little more experience with this pose, you will achieve a higher leg lift. This is due to your body’s increased flexibility. Also, yoga eventually opens your hips so that you will be able to spread your legs more.
Benefits of the Half Moon Pose
The Half Moon pose will strengthen your entire body especially the core area, ankles, glutes, legs, and spine. Also, it stretches your back and shoulders, which in turn relieves tension and muscle tightness. As an inversion yoga pose, it also relieves anxiety, stress, and depression. This asana provides a lot of therapeutic benefits. Some say it helps with menstrual pain, indigestion, constipation, and gastritis. So, make sure you include it in your daily or regular yoga routine.
Drawing to a Close
If it is performed regularly, the Half Moon pose will help you perceive the world in a more positive way. It is a great pose for balance and flexibility. Although it is a great asana, there are some precautions you must be aware of. For example, if you suffer from neck problems you should avoid doing this pose. Get an approval from your doctor, and then seek help of an experienced yogi.
