Ardha Chandrasana
(Half moon Pose)
 It is the Standing and balancing pose, which highly Strengthen the ankles and thighs, and improves overall balance of the body. The "tha" root in hatha yoga signify moon, and hence the importance of Moon or Chandra in hatha yoga.
The therapeutic Applications of this asana are for Anxiety, Backache, Osteoporosis, Fatigue, Constipation, Gastritis, Indigestion and Menstrual pain.
Asana Technique:
Start with Trikonasana.
Soften the right knee and bring the left hand to your hip.
Bring the right hand to the floor about a foot in front of the right foot with the fingertips on the floor.
Begin to straighten the right leg while simultaneously kicking up the left leg.
Open the hips, stacking the left hip on top of the right hip.
Bring the left leg straight and parallel to the floor, flexing the left foot with the toes facing forward.
When you feel balanced on the right leg, reach the left arm up towards the ceiling, opening the chest and making a straight line with the right and left arms.
Finally, bring the gaze up towards the left fingertips.
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.
Benefits of Chandrasana
Strengthens the abdomen, ankles, thighs, buttocks, and spine.
Stretches the groins, hamstrings and calves, shoulders, chest and spine.
Improves coordination and sense of balance.
Helps relieve stress.
Improves digestion.
Precautions
If you have any neck problems, don`t turn your head to look upward; continue looking straight ahead and keep both sides of the neck evenly long.
Avoid this asana in presence of:
Headache or migraine
Low blood pressure
Diarrhea
Insomnia
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