Parvitta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose)

Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana, also known as Revolved Half Moon Pose, is a yoga posture that combines balance, strength, and flexibility. The name comes from the Sanskrit words "parivrtta" meaning "revolved," "ardha" meaning "half," "chandra" meaning "moon," and "asana" meaning "pose."

This asana is a more advanced variation of Ardha Chandrasana, which is a foundational standing balance pose in yoga. Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana requires greater strength, flexibility, and balance than its predecessor, making it a challenging yet rewarding pose to practice.

How To Perform Parvitta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose)

1. Begin in a low lunge with your right foot forward and your left foot back, with both hands resting on the ground on either side of your front foot.

2. Place a block on the inside of your front foot, and your right hand on the block. Keep your fingertips light so you can easily lift your hand and move the block if needed.

3. Shift your weight onto your front foot and lift your back leg up, parallel to the floor, extending through your heel.

4. Begin to twist your torso towards your front leg, reaching your left arm straight up towards the ceiling. Look up towards your left hand and keep your neck long.

5. Keep your core engaged, and try to stack your shoulders over one another, keeping your chest open.

6. Hold the pose for several deep breaths, then release and repeat on the other side.

Modifications

• Use a block or a bolster under your front hand to support balance and stability

• Bend your front knee slightly to deepen the stretch in your hamstring and hip

• Place your top hand on your hip instead of reaching towards the sky

Benefits

• Improves balance and coordination

• Strengthens the legs, core, and back muscles

• Stretches the hamstrings, hip flexors, and chest

• Stimulates the digestive system

• Helps to reduce stress and anxiety

Contraindications

• Recent or chronic injuries to the legs, hips, or back

• High or low blood pressure

• Migraines or other headache disorders

Chakras

• Manipura (solar plexus) chakra

Doshas

• Balances the Vata (air) and Kapha (earth) doshas

• May aggravate the Pitta (fire) dosha if practiced excessively or improperly

Drishti (gaze)

• Look up towards your top hand while maintaining a long neck

History Of Parvitta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose)

The history of Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose) is not well documented, but it is believed to have emerged as a variation of Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), which is an ancient yoga pose that has been practiced for centuries.

Ardha Chandrasana is one of the foundational standing balance poses in yoga and is often included in modern yoga sequences. The pose is believed to have originated in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a text written in the 14th century CE, which describes the physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) used in traditional Hatha yoga.

Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana, the revolved variation of Half Moon Pose, is a more advanced pose that requires greater strength, flexibility, and balance. The pose is often included in modern yoga classes and is known for its ability to challenge the practitioner both physically and mentally.

While the exact origins of Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana are unknown, the pose has become increasingly popular in the modern yoga community due to its many benefits, including improved balance, strength, and flexibility. Today, the pose is practiced by yogis around the world as a way to deepen their yoga practice and explore the mind-body connection.