Vinyala

Pose sheet

Half Moon Pose

Ardha Candrāsanaअर्धचन्द्रासन

Balance on one leg, extending the other horizontally with chest open and hand grounded.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Right foot; right palm provides additional balance support.

Enter

  1. From right Triangle, bring your left hand to your hip.
  2. Bend your right knee; step your left foot closer.
  3. Exhale; place your right palm about twelve inches ahead.
  4. After two breaths, exhale; lift your left leg to horizontal.
  5. Straighten your right leg and turn your chest left.

Hold

  1. Ground your whole right foot; use your hand for balance.
  2. Keep both knees extended without pushing them backward.
  3. Lengthen your torso and keep your lifted leg horizontal.
  4. Keep your left hand on your hip and chest open.

Exit

  1. Bend your right knee and slowly lower your left foot.
  2. Return to Triangle.
  3. Repeat on the other side.
Breathing
Breathe deeply and evenly.
Gaze
Look straight ahead, chin aligned with sternum.
Duration
20–30 seconds per side.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • BlockPlace a block under your right hand.
  • WallSupport your back and left hip against a wall.
  • ChairPlace your right hand on a chair seat.
  • KneelingGround your right knee and hand; lift your left leg.

Variations

  • Top arm vertical.
  • Parivṛtta: ground the hand opposite your standing foot; rotate your torso.
  • Cāpāsana: bend your lifted knee and hold your foot.

Signals of effort

  • Balance on a single leg.
  • Grounded palm with wrist extended.
  • Torso and lifted leg held horizontally.