Revolved Half Moon, or Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana in Sanskrit, is a challenging yoga pose that combines balance, strength, and flexibility. This pose engages the core and leg muscles while promoting spinal rotation and opening through the chest and shoulders. Revolved Half Moon requires a certain level of focus and coordination, mindful awareness of alignment, and breath. A block should be used to help with stability and support.
How do you do Revolved Half Moon?
Step 1.
Start in a High Lunge with your right foot forward, knee bent at a 90-degree angle, and your left leg extended behind you. Ground your right foot into the mat and reach your hands forward on top of blocks at the highest setting 12-14 inches in front of you.
Step 2.
Transition to Supported Warrior III by shifting your weight onto your right foot as you lift your left leg off the ground, coming into Warrior III. Your left leg should be parallel to the ground and keep your right leg straight, with a slight micro-bend in the knee to protect it.
Step 3.
As you inhale, engage your core, then on your next exhale, bring your right hand to hips or sacrum and begin to slowly rotate your torso to the right, opening up your chest. Once you’re stable, extend your right arm toward the ceiling, stacking it above the left arm. Keep your hips as square as possible, by internally rotating the inner thighs toward the sky, only allowing the twist to occur from the torso, not the hips.
Step 4.
Turn your gaze upward toward your extended right hand, or keep your gaze neutral if your neck is sensitive. Keep both legs strong and active, and hold the pose for a few breaths.
Step 5.
To exit, untwist slowly and lower your back leg gently to return to a standing position.
Benefits of Revolved Half Moon
This pose challenges your ability to balance on one leg while twisting, requiring focus and stability. It enhances overall balance, coordination, and proprioception (awareness of body positioning), making it excellent for improving mindfulness and body control.
The deep twist engages the oblique muscles, strengthening the core and improving spinal mobility and health.
Strengthens the legs since the standing leg works to maintain stability, while the lifted leg engages the glutes and hamstrings, building endurance in the lower body.
Helps to improve flexibility by stretching the spine, shoulders, and chest.
Variations of Revolved Half Moon
Supported: Use a block under your lower hand (left hand when twisting to the right, right hand when twisting to the left)
Bound: After coming into the full pose, reach your lower hand (left hand if twisting right) behind your back and grab the top thigh or hip crease. Extend the top arm overhead for an added chest opener to intensify the twist
If you have mastered half-moon pose and can balance easily in the posture, consider reaching your top arm towards your top foot. Make the peace sign with your middle and pointer fingers and see if you can grab onto your toes. Open up through the chest and breathe.
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