Sanskrit: Ardha Chandrasana
Ardha = Half
Chandra = Moon
English: Half Moon pose
To get into position, start off in the Extended Triangle pose (Utthita Trikonasana). Keep your hand on your hip instead of bringing it above your head. Bend the leg you have in front and slide your other leg backward while moving your hand from your ankle to the floor. Then, slowly lift up your back leg so that it is roughly parallel to the ground.If you are steady, open the heart's center and put your arm up and turn you head toward the ceiling. Keep your standing leg straight and strong to help support yourself. Note that there is a difference between a straight leg and a locked one. If you are a beginner you may use a block to help support yourself by putting the block under your arm. Be careful not to lose your balance as well. After 30 seconds to a minute, exhale and lower your leg back down to the floor.
This pose relieves stress, stomach problems, and body aches. It stretches you out and strengthen's your core, and helps you improve your balance. As I did this pose, I felt very detached. I thought it was more relaxing than the Triangle pose when I was balanced, but I could still feel my balance swaying. Occasionally I became to distant and fell down.
Sources:
http://www.acrocore.com/ardha-chandrasana-half-moon-pose/
Ardha Chandrasana/ Half Moon Pose Seattle Yoga | with Andreas Fetz
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/784
Yoga Journal - Half Moon Pose
