A Meditative Moon Salutation - Chandra Namaskar
Full moon affecting your sleep patterns and emotions? It's more common than you think. We are made up of 60% water, and the gravitational pull of the moon directly affects us. Did you know the moon's gravitational pull is two and a half times that of the sun?
If it's affecting you, try this Moon Salutation, also known as Chandra Namaskar, a soothing yet empowering variation and counterbalance to classical Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). It allow us to honor the yin or feminine side of our energy, in contrast to the Sun Salutations, which are more yang, or masculine, in nature.
Chandra Namaskar helps you in channelizing the lunar energy; which has cool, relaxing, and creative qualities. Chandra Namaskar also stretches the spine, hamstrings, and backs of legs; strengthens legs, arma, back, and stomach muscles. Like all other yoga practices, it is important that you learn Chandra Namaskar under proper supervision and guidance.
The poses in order:
Mountain (pranamasana)
Easy Back Bend (hasta uttanasana)
Easy Forward Bend (padahastasana)
½ Moon Lunge (ardha chandrasana)
Downward Facing Dog (parvatasana)
Chin, chest, knees (ashtanga namaskara)
Cobra (bhujangasana)
Downward Facing Dog (parvatasana)
Child’s Pose (balasana)
Downward Facing Dog (parvatasana)
½ Moon Lunge (ardha chandrasana)
Easy Forward Bend (padahastasana)
Easy Back Bend (hasta uttanasana)
Mountain (pranamasana)
Repeat again, this time leading with the left leg back and forward. This will complete one round. You can do 2 or more rounds.
Want to learn more? Follow this sequence by Shiva Rei on Yoga Journal.
