Anjaneyasana – Crescent Moon.

May 30, 2013

by yoganewsletters

Anjaneyasana – Crescent Moon.

Begin from Adho Mukha Svanasana, (Downward Facing Dog)
Lift the right leg up, look forward and step the right leg forward in between the hands and bring the left knee down onto the mat moving into Aschvasanchalanasana, (Low Lunge)
Release the hands from the floor and stretch the arms up
Bring the body more upright so that the front right leg is at a right angle and the knee is aligned above the ankle
Place the top of the back / left foot to rest or press on the mat and keep the foot straight
Tuck the tailbone down and under and pull the navel in towards the spine
Hold for a 5 breaths
Release the arms down and the hands on either side of the front right foot returning to Aschvasanchalanasana, (low lunge)
Release into Adho Mukha Svanasana, (Downward Facing Dog), then lift the left leg up and bring it forward into Aschvasanchalanasana, (low lunge) and then move into
Anjaneyasana on the left side for the same duration of time
Release the arms down and the hands to the floor for Aschvasanchalanasana, (low lunge).

Counterpose / Pratikryasana:

Extended Balasana or Classic Balasana, (Child Pose)
Uttanasana, (Standing forward bend)

Benefits:

Tones and strengthens the leg muscles, i.e. hamstrings and quadriceps
Releases tight hips
Opens and expands the chest facilitating breathing
Releases stiffness and tensions between the shoulders, in the neck and in the back
Corrects round and drooping shoulders

Cautions & Modifications:

If one suffers from high blood pressure or any heart ailments, do not raise the arms up; rather bring the palms together in front of the chest in Anjali Mudra, (prayer position).
As a variation and more of a stretch in the quadriceps / thigh muscles of the back leg, one can lean the body weight further forward, bringing the knee to pass over the front ankle
This variation will also provide a deeper stretch in the hip area
If one is prone to tight shoulders open the arms out wider apart
Be cautious with any problematic or knee issues
Place a folded blanket under the knee for added support and more comfort
If one experiences cramping in the back foot, rather curl the toes under than resting or pressing the top of the back foot onto the mat.

Chakra Association:

Muladhara, (Root Center), Svadisthana, (Sacral Center), working on the hip area, Manipura, (Navel Center), when consciously pulling the navel in towards the spine, Anahata, (Heart Center), if in an advanced practice, one moves in to a back bend and thereby opening the chest further.

Love and Light,

Juanita.

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Juanita Caprari is a certified Yoga teacher and Public Relations Practitioner. She started her Yoga practice in 2002. She has completed two Yoga Teacher Training Courses, the last one through Ananda Kutir Ashram and has been teaching Yoga since 2007. jcaprari@mweb.co.za or visit the website www.yogamala.co.za or www.facebook.com/YogaMalaCapeTown