Crescent Moon

Urdhva Hastasana

Level: Beginner
Pronunciation: (OORD-vah hahs-TAHS-uh-nuh)

Instructions

1. From Mountain pose, interlace the fingers, pointing the index finger up over the head, press the feet into the floor and reach the fingers and crown up while relaxing the shoulders down and back.

2. Exhale and press the right hip out to the side, arching over to the left. Keep the feet grounded and the legs and buttocks engaged. Reach up and out through the fingers and crown.

3. Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.

4. To release: inhale and press into the feet as you reach the fingers back up towards the ceiling.

5. Repeat on other side.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Crescent Moon pose deeply stretches and opens the sides of the body and improves core body strength, balance and concentration. Half moon strengthens the ankles and knees, improves circulation and energizes the entire body.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the hips, back or shoulders.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: Have the feet wider apart.
Variations: A) Place the lower hand on the hip, or B) Slide the lower hand down towards the knee.

Share with

Friends & Students

Explore More

Side Bending Poses
  • Gate Pose • parighasana

    Gate

  • Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana • Revolved Head to Knee

    Revolved Head to Knee

  • Triangle pose / Utthita Trikonasana

    Triangle

  • Reverse Warrior • Viparita virabhadrasana

    Reverse Warrior

  • Crescent Moon

    Crescent Moon

  • Parivrtta Parsvakonasana • Revolved Side Angle

    Revolved Side Angle

  • Half Circle • ardha mandalasana

    Half Circle

  • Extended Side Angle • Utthita Parsvakonasana

    Extended Side Angle

Remove Ads with a

Premium Membership

Viewing ads supports YogaBasics, which allows us to continue bringing you quality yoga content. Sign up for a premium membership to remove all ads and enjoy uninterrupted access to the best yoga resources on the web.

Categories for Crescent Moon

Asana Type

Focus

Chakras

Elements

Explore More

Yoga TipsAdviceArticlesPracticesBasicsTechniques

  • Practice yoga fast or slow

    Fast or Slow? How to Find Your Yoga Flow

  • yoga breathing pranayama

    Keep Calm and Breathe On: The Science of Pranayama

  • Morning Yoga Routine

    9 Ways to Boost Your Morning Yoga Routine

  • yoga pranayama breathing

    Breathing Through the Challenges of Pranayama

  • Crystals for Yoga Meditation

    9 Crystals to Empower Your Yoga Practice

  • Brahma Muhurta

    Brahma Muhurta: Definition, Benefits and Tips

  • Yoga Affects Body Image

    The Powerful Link Between Yoga and Body Satisfaction

  • mala bead meditation

    Using Mala Beads to Deepen Your Yoga Practice

  • Yoga for Your Body Shape

    Find the Best Yoga for Your Body Shape

One response to “Crescent Moon”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yoga Basics