Anjaneyasana or Crescent Moon Yoga Pose
What is Anjaneyasana or Crescent Moon Yoga Pose?
Anjaneyasana is referred to as the Crescent Moon Yoga Pose. The posture is sometimes referred to as the Crescent Lunge Pose or Yoga Lunge Pose because the movement requires a slight forward lunge to achieve it perfectly.
It is a powerful pose with many beneficial effects, and needs concentration to be performed.
Step by Step procedure: Take care that you are properly warmed up before you attempt this lunge pose. It is better to attempt it towards the middle of your yoga program.
Benefits: The Crescent Moon Pose has a number of benefits.
Contraindications: You must however take the advice of a medical expert before starting an exercise program. Those with hernia, neck or heart conditions may be advised to avoid this posture.
Anjaneyasana is referred to as the Crescent Moon Yoga Pose. The posture is sometimes referred to as the Crescent Lunge Pose or Yoga Lunge Pose because the movement requires a slight forward lunge to achieve it perfectly.
It is a powerful pose with many beneficial effects, and needs concentration to be performed.
Step by Step procedure: Take care that you are properly warmed up before you attempt this lunge pose. It is better to attempt it towards the middle of your yoga program.
- You may start this pose from the Sraddha Tadasana (Faith Palm Pose).
- Next, exhale and kneel down with your spine straight and tall. Keep your hands at the sides.
- Now, lunge forward using the right leg. The foot should point forwards, and the knee should be stacked exactly above the ankles.
- Exhale again and make your hips move forward a little so that the bend in the knee deepens.
- The left knee should be pushed back as far as possible behind the left hip. A beginner may have problems, but do not push yourself too much; the muscles will gradually become stronger and more flexible.
- Now inhale and raise your hands upwards as if trying to touch the ceiling. The palms should face each other. Raise your head up and slightly backward as you gaze at your hands and the ceiling.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds, breathing deeply all the while.
- Release the posture slowly, rest for a few seconds in Balasana (Child Pose) and repeat with the other leg.
Benefits: The Crescent Moon Pose has a number of benefits.
- The muscles and joints of the upper and lower body get stretched, strengthened and toned with this exercise, and also become more flexible. The larger and smaller muscles are benefited, as well as the ligaments and tendons. The areas which show improvement are the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, chest, abdomen, groins, spine, hip flexors and thighs.
- By strengthening the muscles of the chest, the pose opens the heart and aids better circulation.
- The Crescent Moon Pose has a positive effect on mental power too. It increases confidence, will power, courage and determination.
Contraindications: You must however take the advice of a medical expert before starting an exercise program. Those with hernia, neck or heart conditions may be advised to avoid this posture.