Procedure
for Urdhva Anjaneyasana (Upward Crescent Moon Yoga Pose):
- Go to mountain pose.
- Lift your arms to the shoulder height at your sides.
- Turn your arms to face the ceiling.
- Inhale and lift your arms above the head together.
- Interlace your fingers together and point your index fingers upward. Shoulders should be relaxed down and back your upper arms should be close to your ears.
- Inhale and press the soles of the feet in the floor as you extend up through the fingertips.
- Exhale and bend from the waist as you lean to the right.
- Press your hips gently to the left. Ensure you are pressing evenly through both feet.
- Point the crown of your head upward and look straight ahead.
- Remain in this pose from 15 to 30 seconds.
- Inhale when you make your torso upright.
- Perform the steps 6 to 11 for the other side. Release the pose by exhaling while bringing the arms down to the sides.
- This yoga posture helps in strengthening the ankle muscles and can aid in preventing and healing ankle injuries.
- Lower back muscles are also strengthened as well as many of the leg muscles.
- Opens your hips and chest
- Can help relieve mild back pain
- Stretches the sides of the body
- Improves digestion
- Aids in stress relief
- Builds core body strength, makes the spine more flexible, and improves circulation.
- Anxiety
- Backache
- Osteoporosis
- Sciatica
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Gastritis
- Indigestion
- Menstrual pain
