Extended Half Moon Pose | Utthita Ardha Chandrasana

Extended Half Moon Pose Instructions

1. Start in half moon pose, with your right hand on the floor and your left leg up.
2. Rotate your right foot, knee, and hip to the front, lift the left foot toward the ceiling and gaze at your left thumb.
3. Stay in extended half moon pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then repeat on the opposite side.

Mindfulness Practice

Breathe smoothly throughout the pose, maintain the hips high and keep both arms and legs straight. Plant your right hand and foot firmly on the floor and actively reach up with your left leg and arm.

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Utthita Ardha Chandrasana Benefits

The extended half moon pose strengthens the wrists, arms, shoulders, core, and legs and improves balance and stability. This yoga pose also tones and stimulates the abdominal organs and prevents lower back pain.

Contraindications

Wrist, elbow, neck, shoulder, or back injury.

Preparatory, Complementary and Follow-Up Poses

Start in half moon pose, mountain pose or side plank pose and then progress to extended half moon pose. Follow-up with wide legged forward bend or standing forward bend.

Related Yoga Poses

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Extended hand to big toe pose
Staff pose
Garland pose
Wide angle seated forward bend pose