Palms joined, arms longGaze softly aheadSide body longFeet rootedStanding Crescent Moon
Pārśva Ūrdhva Hastāsana
Read what the gnome says
Standing Crescent Moon! Stand tall, reach the arms overhead, and clasp the hands. Lean gently to one side, keeping the hips centered and the legs firm. Don't collapse the ribs. Breathe, then switch. Moon-gazing gnome.
Works on Obliques · Intercostals · Latissimus dorsi
How to do it
- Stand tall with the feet together and sweep the arms overhead, palms joined.
- Press the feet down and lengthen up through the fingertips.
- Arc the body to one side, ribs open, and hold; return to centre and switch sides.
Common mistakes
- Don’t lean forward or back: stay in one plane.
- Don’t lock the knees.
- Don’t crunch the shoulder into the neck.
Benefits
- Builds strength and steadiness in the legs.
- Improves posture and balance.
- Wakes up the whole body: good early in a practice.
Take care: Go easy or skip if you have knee, ankle or hip pain, or feel dizzy. Keep a wall or chair within reach for balance.
In ready-made sequences
Not medical advice. Ease off if anything feels sharp or wrong.
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