Half Moon
Ardha Chandrasana balances on one leg with the body open to the side. A block under the hand and practising against a wall make it accessible.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Hold
- 3–6 breaths per side
- Focus
- Lateral balance
- Steps
- 6 cues · ~1 min
- Reach through the lifted heel
- Open the chest to the side
- Hand light on the block
Step by step
How to do Half Moon
StartBegin in Triangle or Extended Side Angle.
- 1
From Triangle on the right, bend the right knee.
- 2
Place the right hand on a block about 30 cm ahead of the right foot.
- 3
Shift weight into the right foot and lift the left leg to hip height.
- 4
Straighten the standing leg without locking.
- 5
Stack the left hip over the right and open the chest.
- 6
Extend the left arm up; gaze forward or up.
- ↩
Coming out. Bend the standing knee, lower the back leg and return to Triangle or step back.
Breath
Steady breaths to stay balanced.
Focus
Lateral balance
Why practise it
Strengthens legs and core; improves balance and coordination.
Alignment
Cues & common mistakes
Aim for Lifted leg active, foot flexed; hips stacked; shoulders stacked.
Teacher’s cues
- “Reach through the lifted heel”
- “Open the chest to the side”
- “Hand light on the block”
Watch out for
Putting too much weight into the bottom hand and turning the chest to the floor.
Make it yours
Easier, harder, supported
Back against a wall; block on highest height.
- Sugarcane (hold the lifted foot)
- Block
- Wall
In a sequence
Where it fits in a flow
BeforeTriangle Pose
BeforeWarrior III
This poseHalf Moon
AfterRevolved Triangle
AfterStanding Forward Fold
Good to know
Questions
Where should the block go?
Under the shoulder, about a foot in front of and slightly outside the standing foot.
Chandra means moon; the pose evokes a crescent's shape.
What helps
Props that make this easier
- Non-slip yoga mat A 4–6 mm mat with good grip makes standing poses steadier. View on Amazon
- Cork yoga block Brings the floor closer in forward folds and supported poses. View on Amazon
- Cotton yoga strap Extends your reach in hamstring and shoulder stretches. View on Amazon
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