Revolved Half Moon Yoga Pose

Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana

Revolved Half Moon Yoga Pose
overview

Revolved Half Moon Yoga Pose is a standing pose that targets the hamstrings and calves and is ideal for yogis and yoginis at an intermediate to advanced level.

manipura – the wisdom chakra
related poses

intermediate, advanced | standing | hamstrings, calves

[yoga-sharrre]

[yoga-tags]

How To Do Revolved Half Moon Yoga Pose
  1. Begin in Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana), starting with your right leg forward and your left arm extended toward the ceiling. Soften your left knee and bring your left hand down, placing it on your left hip.
  2. Lift your right hand from your ankle, placing your fingers on the floor just in front of your right foot. Begin straightening your right leg, pushing into the ground through the sole of your foot, and inhale as you begin to lift your left foot into the air. Continue until your right leg is completely straight and your left leg is parallel to the floor.
  3. Be sure to keep your right foot grounded, toes pointing straight away from your body.
  4. Lift your left arm back up, stretching out through the fingers, and feel your left arm and right leg fully lengthen. Keep your balance using your right fingertips, placing just enough weight in them to stabilize you.
  5. Begin twisting your torso to the right, lowering your left hip so that it’s parallel to the right. Sweep your left arm down as you twist, placing your left hand on the floor next to the right. Check that your hips are lined up and parallel to the floor. Keep both hands on the floor until you feel stable, then lift the right arm up and reach through your fingertips toward the ceiling, fingers outstretched. Gaze up softly at your right thumb, being sure to keep the neck relaxed.
  6. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds. To come out, bring your right arm down and place your hand on the floor. Come out of the twist, lowering your left foot back to the ground with an exhalation. Return to Extended Triangle Pose and repeat the steps with the opposite leg.
Notes
  • Breathe deeply through each step.
  • This pose requires balance. If you are unable to balance comfortably on one foot, use a wall for support or avoid this pose until your balance becomes more developed.
  • Keep your quads engaged in your grounded leg to prevent your knee from locking.
Tips

If you are having trouble keeping leg straight with your hand on the ground, try placing a block underneath your grounded hand.
If you are having trouble maintaining stability, do the pose near a wall so that you can press the foot of your lifted leg into the wall.
To deepen the focus on balance for this pose, lift your grounded hand off of the floor once stable, placing your thumb on your sternum with your palm facing in.

Stretches & Strengthens

All Muscles: Hamstrings, calves, lower back, glutes, shoulders

Target Muscles: Hamstrings, calves, glutes

Health Benefits of Revolved Half Moon Yoga Pose
  • Can reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue.
  • Reduces pain associated with osteoporosis, sciatica, backache and menstruation.
  • Can improve and aid digestion.

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana

(par-ee-vrt-tah are-dHAH chan-DRAHS-anna)

parivrtta: turned around, revolved
ardha: half, one part
candra: glittering, shining
asana: posture

History & Mythology

History & Mythology


There’s gotta be some history or mythology on this pose! We’ve looked high and low and have only come up with this message. Perhaps you have some information or resource for us to explore?

Related Projects

  • Revolved Camel Yoga Pose

    Revolved Camel Yoga Pose

  • Revolving Beam Yoga Pose

    Revolving Beam Yoga Pose

  • Reclining Angle Yoga Pose

    Reclining Angle Yoga Pose

  • Side Plank Yoga Pose

    Side Plank Yoga Pose