MAN ON THE MAT with Ravi Dixit
Revolved Half Moon Pose
(PARIVRTTA ARDHA CHANDRASANA)
This is the twisted version of Half Moon. Parivrtta means ‘revolved’, ardha ‘half’, and chandra ‘moon’. This standing balance evolved from classical Hatha traditions and represents clarity, steadiness, and inner transformation.
BENEFITS
- Strengthens ankles, legs, glutes, hamstrings, and core
- Stretches the spine, chest, shoulders, and outer hips
- Builds powerful balance and posture awareness
- Enhances digestive health through deep twisting action
- Helps cultivate focus and patience
COMMON MISTAKES
- Letting the hips roll open: in this variation, the hips should stay level and squared down, not open to the side.
- Collapsing into the bottom hand: too much weight in the supporting hand reduces stability. The standing leg and core should be your foundation.
- Twisting from the shoulders instead of the spine: the twist should originate from the mid-to-upper spine, not by forcing the shoulders open.
- Lifting the back leg too high: over-lifting can misalign the hips; the leg should extend straight back, in line with the spine.
BEGINNERS TIPS
- Use blocks: place your lower hand on a block at any height. This gives space for the spine and keeps hips squared.
- Bend the standing leg slightly: a small bend protects hamstrings and helps maintain balance.
- Move step-by-step: first find your balance, then lengthen the spine, and then twist. Twisting too early can make you feel unstable.
FOCUS
- Concentration: The challenging nature of balancing on one leg while twisting requires concentration, which helps in developing a strong mind-body connection
- Balance: The pose is about balancing sun and moon energies within the body. Achieving physical stability in the pose improves mental balance.
- Muladhara (Root) Chakra: The grounding aspect of balancing on one leg activates the root chakra, which is linked to stability and security.
Ravi Dixit is an Indian yoga teacher and founder of Ravi Yoga Retreat, living between London and Goa. He is passionate about making traditional yoga understandable for everyone.
Visit: ravi.yoga or connect on Instagram @raviyoga_goa
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