How Is Hastapadasana And Ardhachandrasana Done?

Hastapadasana And Ardhachandrasana - Step By Step Procedure

Hastapadasana (Hand to Foot Pose or Standing Forward Bend Pose) is a basic yoga exercise. You can enjoy its multiple benefits when performing the Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation). The Hastapadasana steps are outlined here.

1. Maintain an erect standing posture. Inhale deeply and raise both your hands above your head.
2. Now exhale and start bending your body from your waist so that your head faces downward. Bring your hands to touch your feet or the ground on either side of your legs.
3. Your head will now come to rest in contact with your knees. Without bending your knees, continue in this posture for some time.
4. Now, gradually raise your body and come to its erect standing position.
5. Exhale and bring your arms down from above your head.

Ardhachandrasana (Half Moon Pose) helps to add strength to the muscles of the lower part of your body. The Ardhachandrasana steps are outlined here.

1. Perform the Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) with your left hand touching your hip.
2. Bend your right knee a little so that you move ahead.
3. Place your right hand in the front, a few inches from the toe of your right leg.
4. Inhale and press the palm of your right hand on the floor. While bearing your weight on your right leg, raise your left leg at the hip.
5. Now raise your left hand so that it comes in a straight line with the palm of your hand on the right.
6. Lift the fingers of your left hand. After this turn your head to look up at the palm of your left hand.
7. Continue in this posture for some time.
8. If you are a novice at performing this posture, you can use a block or support yourself against a wall while you do this yoga pose.

Consult a yoga instructor or check for videos online to properly learn how to perform these poses.

Submitted by G M on November 10, 2011 at 11:23

What Are The Benefits Of Hastapadasana And Ardhachandrasana

While performing the Hastapadasana (Hand to Foot Pose) you can enjoy its multiple advantages. The Hastapadasana benefits are outlined here. This posture adds strength to your spine muscles. It is extremely beneficial for stimulating your nervous system. With the increase in blood circulation to your head, this posture is beneficial to curb loss of hair. With the stretching involved in doing this pose, it benefits you by helping you lose weight better and shape your body. Hastapadasna also cures any disorders of your abdomen or digestive system. It helps your chest stretch and hence lends it much suppleness. This yoga posture also stimulates the toes of your feet and allows more blood to circulate through them. Hastapadasana is also helpful to relieve menstrual symptoms. Your backbone also gets much flexibility on doing this pose. You may not be able to touch your head to your knees initially, but after a few days, it can be done with ease. Ensure that you do not bend your knees and the forward movement is done smoothly without halts in between.

Ardhachandrasana also has multiple benefits to offer to you while you perform this yoga pose. The Ardhachandrasana benefits are outlined below. “Ardha” means “half” and “Chandra” means “moon or luminous.” This yoga posture is extremely beneficial for maintaining the balance and coordination of your body. While you balance your body weight on one leg, the ankles get strengthened in the process. Ardhachandrasana tones up the muscles of the lower part of your body including the legs, thighs, and buttocks. It helps to improve your digestive process. This yoga pose renders your with a good and positive feeling in your mind. You should refrain from this pose if a neck pain or headache is troubling you. Try not to do this yoga pose if you are suffering from any injury to your back or shoulders.

Submitted by A V on November 10, 2011 at 11:17

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