Half Moon Pose

This balancing pose brings strength to the legs and spine and helps with gastric problems. As we learn to maintain steadiness and composure while balancing, the mind becomes quiet and looks inward.

Stand with the right side of your body about six to eight inches from the wall. Bring your feet together.

Keeping your legs straight, exhale while placing your right hand on the floor close to the wall, about 1 to 2 feet away from your feet. If this causes your legs to bend, place your hand on a stable wooden block or something similar in height.

Bring your right shoulder in line with your right hand. Your legs and right arm should now be perpendicular to the floor. You might have to adjust the distance of your right hand to achieve this.

Maintain your arm and right leg position, exhale, then tighten your left knee and lift your left leg, pressing your heel to the wall. Keep your left leg parallel to the floor with your knee facing the middle of the room. Tighten your leg muscles.

Open your chest by stretching your left arm up in line with the right.

Learn to balance by leaning off the wall. Turn your head by looking at the upstretched arm. Keep the back of your body parallel to the wall with head, hips and feet in one line.

Repeat on the other side.

Maintain even breath flow while keeping facial muscles relaxed. Keep your body firm without shaking.

MANOA YOGA CENTER
Ray Madigan demonstrates the Half Moon Pose.

Ray Madigan and Shelley Choy are certified Iyengar Yoga teachers and co-direct the Manoa Yoga Center at Manoa Marketplace. Visit www.manoayoga.com or call 382-3910. Manoa Yoga Center, the authors and the Star-Bulletin take no responsibility for any injury arising from the practice of these yoga postures. Readers should seek a doctor's approval before commencing this yoga practice.