Parivrtta ardha chandrasana (revolved half moon pose) is both a balance pose and a twist. Nothing wakes you up quite like standing on one leg. Your attention to detail is heightened as you work toward finding the alignment that will ultimately bring you into balance. Twists stimulate and invigorate the core musculoskeletal system of the spine, including the pelvis and shoulders. It is through the entire body working harmoniously, and in symphony with the breath, that we can reap the awakening benefits of a twist. The Revolved Half Moon Pose Start in uttanasana (standing forward bend pose), then come onto the fingertips and walk the hands forward to elongate the spine. For a right-facing twist, lift the left leg up so that it⿿s parallel to the floor. A slight internal rotation of the left thigh and leg will enhance the ability to lengthen the spine without compression of the lower back. Stabilize the pelvis by firming the outer hip of the standing leg in towards center. The twist action comes from the turn in the shoulders and the contraction-and-release action of the abdominal muscles. In opposition to the left leg lifting, reach the right arm up to the sky. Lengthen the shoulder blades down the back, so that you can rotate the torso while maintaining length at the back of the neck and chest. As you inhale, relax and allow the spine to lengthen with the breath; and as you exhale, contract the abdominal muscles and twist. Begin gazing downward, and if appropriate, slowly track your gaze upward toward your top thumb. [via]

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