YanvaYoga > Yoga Poses > Revolved Eight Point Crescent Moon Pose

Revolved Eight Point Crescent Moon Pose - Parivrtta Parsvakonasana

Revolved Side Angle Pose (front) - Iana Varshavska

Contents

Revolved Side Angle Pose, Revolved Eight Point Crescent Moon Pose, or Parivrtta Parsvakonasana in Sanskrit, is a variation of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana Namaste Hands, where one hand rests on the floor and the other extends upwards with a shoulder rotation and twist. This variation forms part of the Ashtanga Primary Series and is also practiced to improve the flexibility of the arms and shoulders, core muscles, and hip stability.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana is a deep twisting posture that requires balance and helps stimulate the visceral organs in the chest and abdominal area. In this twist, the muscles of the spine improve in strength and flexibility, and there is a supply of fresh blood to the internal organs right after being released from the posture. Acting as an asymmetrical pose, through practice it encourages to bring balance and stability with both sides of the body.

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana is considered a base pose as Parivrtta Parsvakonasana variations can be derived from this pose. This pose helps boost energy in the body and hence can be included in flow yoga sequences.

Pose Detail

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Start in standing Position: Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Step 2
Take a deep breath and distance your legs 4-5 feet apart. Raise your arms in line with your shoulders keeping them parallel to the floor, palms facing down.
Step 3
As you exhale, turn the right foot outwards 90 degrees to the right. Slightly turn the left foot inwards 60 degrees to the right. The right heel must be in line with the left heel.
Step 4
Bend the right knee till you form a 90-degree angle between thigh and calf. Your thigh must be parallel to the floor and the right knee aligned right over the heel. The calf should be perpendicular to the floor.
Step 5
Keep the left leg stretched out and tightened at the knee throughout the practice.
Step 6
Exhale and turn the torso towards your right thigh and bring the left arm to the outside of your bent knee.
Step 7
Place your left palm on the floor. Ideally, the outer side of the right knee is covered and touched by the outside of the left armpit.
Step 8
Stretch out the right arm over the right ear with the palm facing down. Turn the head in the upward direction and look straight.
Step 9
Hold the final position for a few seconds and then release the pose.
Step 10
To return, lift the palm off the floor, release the twist, straighten the leg, and come back to starting position.

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Strengthens and stretches the legs, knees, and ankles

Stretches the groins, spine, chest and lungs, and shoulders

Stimulates abdominal organs

Increases stamina

Improves digestion and aids elimination

Improves balance

Contraindications

Headache

High or low blood pressure

Insomnia

If you have any neck problems, don’t turn your head to look at the top arm; instead look straight ahead with the sides of the neck lengthened evenly, or look down at the floor.

Photo poses in different angles

Modifications, Props and Tips

To get the most from this pose, avoid these errors.

  • Neck Position

If needed, keep your neck in a neutral position so you don’t strain your cervical spine. Look forward, not up if you have neck sensitivity.

  • Spinal Alignment

    • In this pose, your spine is twisted but not curved. You should have a straight line and a neutral spine. You want to avoid rounding the back or curving it forward. Allow the twist to come from the waist as if the heart could rotate towards the sky.

  • Knee Not Over Ankle

To protect your knee, it must be kept over the ankle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations

  • Revolved Side Angle Pose Hands Against Wall
  • Crescent High Lunge Chair Twist Pose
  • Revolved Side Angle Pose Aerial
  • Revolved High Lunge Pose
  • Revolved Side Angle with a block
  • Bent Knee Revolved Side Angle Pose

Top Preparatory Poses

Top Follow-Up Poses

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.