Crescent Lunge Pose or, Anjaneyasana (Anjaneya: the son of the mythological princess Anjani), is one of those yoga postures that can easily be overlooked, as it's often used as a transition in flows. Nonetheless, this asana deserves its time in the spotlight!

As the name suggests, this asana is a lunge and the way we achieve the “crescent” shape of this posture is by gently curving the spine back, raising the arms and pushing the pelvis forward and upward. Seen from the side, this pose can look like a graceful crescent moon. However, don’t be tempted to think that achieving this shape is the purpose! This is one of those poses which, when done correctly, can achieve balance in the body.

Anjaneysana is an excellent pose to counteract the effects of sitting down for long periods. It opens the front of the hips, the chest and shoulders while strengthening the legs, the core and the back. You can opt to practice the low lunge version (with one knee on the ground or on a blanket) or the high lunge version (also known as Ashta Chandrasana). I find that the low lunge helps me to focus on opening and stretching my body while the high lunge version helps me work on my strength and balance.

At an energetic level, Anjaneyasana opens the second chakra located around the sacral area by stretching the hip flexors and quadriceps. It also stimulates the heart chakra by expanding the chest. This is a great combo because it would encourage emotional release and healing, promote creativity, and cultivate connection, love, and compassion.

Modifications

1. If your bottom knee hurts in a low lunge, place a blanket underneath. If that’s still too intense, it’s best to stick to the high lunge version.

2. If you’re unable to comfortably lift your arms, place one block on each side of your pelvis and use the added height to raise your torso and expand your chest.

3. If you have limited hip mobility, bring your back leg a bit forward until you feel the opening without overstretching.

Whether you’re using Crescent Lunge Pose as a transition or a standalone asana, embrace it for its ability to ground, heal and open your body—both physically and energetically.

Aimiee is an outdoorsy writer, yoga teacher-in-training and artist born in Mexico. Her yoga journey began 10 years ago when she decided to accomplish the extraordinary feat of touching her toes. Her personal practice has evolved into an eclectic and healing combination of Restorative, Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar and Kundalini yoga