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Half Moon Pose - Ardha Chandrasana
How to Do Half Moon Pose - Ardha Chandrasana

By Ann Pizer, About.com

Updated July 04, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Ardha Chandrasana with Block

© Barry Stone
Type of pose: Standing, balancing

Benefits: Strengthen the ankles and thighs, improves balance

Instructions:

1. From Trikonasana, soften the right knee and bring the left hand to your hip.

2. Bring the right hand to the floor about a foot in front of the right foot with the fingertips on the floor.

3. Begin to straighten the right leg while simultaneously kicking up the left leg.

4. Open the hips, stacking the left hip on top of the right hip.

5. Bring the left leg straight and parallel to the floor, flexing the left foot with the toes facing forward.

6. When you feel balanced on the right leg, reach the left arm up toward the ceiling, opening the chest and making a straight line with the right and left arms.

7. Finally, bring the gaze up toward the left fingertips

8. Repeat on the left side

Beginners: Take a block underneath the right hand. Do the pose near a wall and bring the left foot to the wall when you kick up the left leg.

Advanced: Bring the right hand a few inches off of the floor.

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