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Today we will go on with the basic yoga postures, the ones which will keep rejuvenate you. The yoga pose we will talk about is the Anjaneysana, also called the Crescent Moon Pose, Low Slit or even Lunge pose. Just like the high slit in yoga, you have to be careful to understand the gestures to be made and the interest of this posture so that you get pleasure out of it.
What is Anjaneyasana?
Anjaneyasana, which means "low slit" in Sanskrit, is actually the easiest slit when it comes to yoga. From a purely physical point of view, this front slit will serve as an effective stretch for your back, shoulders and more.
Like the adhomukhasvanasana, also called the dog pose (that can be used as a preparatory pose to the low slit) you will also work on other aspects such as your balance. You will notice for example that when you step your left knee to the floor and keep your left hip in the angle, your right « side » will be more balanced than ever.
The symbolism of the crescent moon
In Hindu culture, the crescent moon is a very strong symbol. Indeed, it represents the regeneration of the Moon, its rebirth.
So it is associated with feminine power and it has always been a figurehead of tantrism. You can also find it drawn on many flags of big nations, further proof of the strength of this symbol and its great influence. That is why this posture has this name.
How to achieve this yoga pose?
We will of course present you the steps to complete this pose. But first of all, it is important to remember that a yoga posture is an exercise you have to work on to perform it perfectly.
It is not necessary to follow to the letter what you learn, it is indeed necessary to discover, to make your own experiences, to feel good by trying all the possible and imaginable variants.
For this posture, start with the dog pose. Exhale a good blow and come put your right foot forward, between your hands, and putting your heel in line with your knee.
Come lower your left knee and pull it back until you feel a slight tension that should not be exaggerated not to hurt yourself.
Now bend your chest and lift it up as much as possible, while placing your arms perpendicular to the ground, stretched. Raise your head back to look up. When done, stretch your fingers towards the sky and try to hold the position for a minute.
Once the right side is complete, return to the dog position and perform the same operation with the left knee this time.
The benefits of Anjaneyasana
Like the Tadasana, Savasana and the Moon Salutation, this practice has incredible benefits. It will help you mainly in your sciatic pain, but not only that. Indeed, it serves as a very good stretch for the thighs, shoulders, rib cage and even the neck.
Quadriceps will also be strongly energized, which can promote better functioning of your genitals, indirectly. Your shoulders and arms will benefit from refinement and reinforcement.
In the long term, you will also notice your joints are less painful mainly in your knees, shoulders but also an increase in your strength in your legs, hips, … Finally, you will also improve your balance and your way of standing.
Of course, this is a position that should not be executed alone. As we told in the introduction, it is good to associate it with other yoga practices and methods to complete it.
It’s important to take the time to grow, and yoga is a perfect tool for that. We advise you to perform positions such as the warrior’s posture after that of the crescent moon or the hero’s posture.
It’s up to you to create your sessions to work on all aspects that may be lacking you and thus become the best version of yourself.
Some mistakes to avoid
You have to be careful for certain profiles. First of all, it is recommended to perform the Anjaneyasana with an experienced yogi the first time. For simple reasons of good performance of the movement, you will thus reduce the risk of injury or bad movement for your back especially (risk 0 does not exist!).
In addition, this kind of yoga is quite demanding and is not at all recommended for people with cardiovascular problems, having a hernia or lumbar pain. A wrong move or performance can really hurt you, so it is strongly advised to take the time to soak up the posture before you launch.
Observe, analyze, do not put any pressure on yourself and then just go ahead. If you can’t get it right the first time, you can start meditation, like the jnana mudra for example, so that you can relax even more. Then try again and again without forcing yourself, you will achieve the desired result.
