High Lunge Pose - Ashta Chandrasana

Ashta Chandrasana - Cresent High Lunge Pose - YanvaYoga

Contents

High Lunge Pose or Ashta Chandrasana in Sanskrit (ahh-SHTAH chahn-DRAH-suh-nuh) is the perfect pose to come into after a long day of sitting all day. It creates space in your hip flexors and invigorates your spine. This standing balancing pose tones your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes.
Open your heart in this slight backbend.

High Lunge Pose also Known as: Crescent High Lunge Pose, Crescent Moon Pose

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Begin in Downward Facing Dog.
Step 2
Exhale and step the left foot between the hands
Step 3
Align the ankle under the knee. Lift the back heel from the floor.
Step 4
Inhale and lift the arms and torso, reaching the hands toward the sky.
Step 5
Bring the torso vertical, then open the chest by gently arching back.
Step 6
Breathe while holding the pose.
Step 7
Exhale and step back to downward facing dog. Change sides.

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Creates flexible strength

Strengthens and stretches the thighs, calves and ankles

Tones the lower body

Stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders, arms, neck, belly, groins (psoas) and the muscles of the back

Promotes stability in the front and back of the torso

Contraindications

High blood pressure

Heart problems

Photo poses in different angles

Modification, Props and Tips

  • If you have sensitive knees, come down to your back knee and place a yoga blanket or block under your back knee.
  • If you feel strain in your neck or shoulders, lower your arms by placing them on blocks, your hips, or on the floor.
  • To maintain your balance, place your hands on a chair or wall in front of you for support.

Variations

  • High Lunge Seated
  • High Lunge With Knees Bent
  • High Lunge With A Chair

Iana Varshavska
Iana Varshavska
Website administrator

In love with yoga and everything that goes along with it. Iana is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who has completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification by the Yoga Alliance U.S. In addition to that, she is constantly studying and improving her skills in various aspects of yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy, biomechanics, and holodynamics.