Bikram Blog #2 - Half Moon with Hands to Feet Pose


Jun 5, 2020

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Bikram Blog #2 - Half Moon with Hands to Feet Pose

The second pose of the Bikram Series contains four pieces that focus on the spine. There are two parts to the posture: Half Moon Pose ( Arda-Chandrasana) and Hands to Feet Pose (Pada-Hastasana). Together, these two poses bring the spine through motion in six different directions; up, down, left, right, forward and backward. 

 

After Pranayama Deep Breathing, we immediately begin to work toward the mobility of the shoulder and spine. Concerning the rest of the practice, these two postures work together wonderfully to prepare the body.

Listening to the verbiage used by the teacher is an excellent tip to any of you who would like to be more self-reflective during your practice. They guide you through your journey, and the little verbal cues they give are enough to build a comprehensive understanding of what it is you are trying to achieve with your posture. 

 

As with any posture, there are progressions as you continue to advance. As a beginner, it is recommended that you work through your postures; as your body opens up, you can continue to move deeper into the progressions. For instance, in Hands to Feet Pose, at first, try to reach for your calves, and as you progress, you will eventually be able to reach the fingers under the heels. 

 

Both Half Moon and Hands to Feet require you to be especially mindful in your practice as they put the spine through a deep stretch in all four directions. As you start this flow, do not go deep for the sake of going deep, allow your breathing to guide your body while keeping the integrity of the pose intact. That means keeping the spine extended through the fingertips at all times during Half Moon, and keep the upper body touching the lower body at all times during Hands to Feet. 

 

This flow has a myriad of benefits, not only physically, but mentally as well. The following are the "best hits" if you will.

 

Together Half Moon and Hands to Feet Pose promote: 

 

  •  Helps to awaken the skeletomuscular system
  •  Increased flexibility and strength to core and posterior chain
  •  Increased flexibility of the spine
  •  Opens shoulder joints (helps frozen shoulder)
  •  Opens hips, lower back, reduce pain and help with sciatic problems
  •  Can promote circulation to the brain and adrenal glands
  •  Great for massaging abdominal organs, improving digestion
  •  Alleviates anxiety, reduces mental stress, and can help with depression


After reading that list of benefits, it's a no-brainer to take care of yourself and take a Bikram class. The most significant part is, this is only one of the 26 poses we go through in the Bikram yoga sequence, imagine how great you will feel after class. If you have any questions or feedback, comment down below and make sure to watch our Youtube videos at Midtown Yoga KW for the videos that go alongside these blogs.

To watch the video associated with this blog, click here: Bikram Series #2 - Half Moon Pose & Hands To Feet Pose

 

By Cohl Ronholm