What Does
Indudalasana Mean?
Indudalasana is a simple standing asana that opens the sides of the body. The name of this posture comes from the Sanskrit indu, meaning "moon"; dala, meaning "portion of" or "fragment"; and asana, meaning "pose" or "posture."
To practice this posture, begin in tadasana (mountain pose) with the big toes touching. Reach the arms overhead and interlace the fingers while pointing both index fingers. On an exhale, bend to one side, creating a crescent shape with the body. For a fuller expression of the pose, rotate the chest toward the sky and look upward.
Indudalasana may also be referred to in English as standing crescent pose.
Yogapedia Explains Indudalasana
In addition to stretching the sides of the body, indudalasana strengthens the core muscles. This asana also has the following benefits:
- Improves balance, particularly through the legs and feet
- Improves concentration
- Supports circulation
Beginners or those with limited balance and/or flexibility can practice indudalasana with the feet farther apart. Alternate hand positions include overhead in prayer position or the lower (in the direction of the bend) hand on the hip or on the thigh. Those with neck problems should keep the gaze forward rather than toward the sky.
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