Moon Salutation: A Soothing Yoga Flow
Just like the Sun Salutation energizes you, the **Moon Salutation** (Chandra Namaskar) helps you relax and unwind. It’s a gentle yoga sequence with 14 simple steps, perfect for calming your mind and stretching your body.
Let’s learn about this practice, its benefits, and how you can do it at home.
What is Moon Salutation?
Moon Salutation, or **Chandra Namaskar**, is a yoga flow that connects you with the cool and calming energy of the moon. It’s best done in the evening or at night when you’re looking to de-stress and find balance after a long day.
This sequence is slower and more relaxing compared to Sun Salutation, making it ideal for anyone who wants to improve flexibility and calm the mind.
14 Steps of Moon Salutation
Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing Moon Salutation:
1. Prayer Pose (Pranamasana):
- Stand straight, bring your hands together in front of your chest.
- Take a deep breath and relax.
2. Raised Arms Pose (Hasta Uttanasana):
- Inhale, lift your arms overhead, and gently arch your back.
3. Side Stretch Pose (Chandrasana):
- Exhale, bend to your left side, stretching your right side.
4. Side Stretch Pose (Chandrasana):
- Inhale, return to the center.
- Exhale, bend to your right side.
5. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana):
- Exhale, bend forward from your hips.
- Let your hands touch the floor or rest on your legs.
6. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Inhale, step your left leg back into a lunge.
7. Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana):
- Exhale, straighten both legs and bring your feet wide apart.
- Bend forward, placing your hands on the floor.
8. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Inhale, bend your left knee again, returning to a lunge.
9. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Exhale, shift into a lunge on the right side.
10. Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana):
- Inhale, straighten both legs again in a wide stance.
11. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Exhale, step your right foot forward into a lunge with the left leg back.
12. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana):
- Inhale, step your left foot forward, bending into a forward fold.
13. Raised Arms Pose (Hasta Uttanasana):
- Exhale, slowly rise up with your arms stretched overhead.
14. Prayer Pose (Pranamasana):
- Exhale, bring your hands back to your chest in prayer.
Benefits:
Here’s why you should try Moon Salutation:
1. Relieves Stress: Helps you feel calm and relaxed.
2. Improves Flexibility: Stretches your whole body gently.
3. Balances Energy: Brings harmony to your mind and body.
4. Promotes Better Sleep: Prepares your body for a restful night.
5. Easy on the Body: Perfect for people of all fitness levels.
How to Start
- When to Practice: Do this sequence in the evening or at night, especially on days when you feel tired or stressed.
- Where to Practice: Find a quiet spot at home or practice under the moonlight for a magical experience.
- How Many Rounds: Start with 2-3 rounds and increase gradually.
My Thoughts
The Moon Salutation is a simple and soothing yoga practice that helps you feel more relaxed and balanced. It’s a great way to unwind, improve flexibility, and connect with the calming energy of the moon.
So, roll out your yoga mat, take a deep breath, and let the moonlight guide you to peace and harmony.
Namaste 🌙
Let’s learn about this practice, its benefits, and how you can do it at home.
What is Moon Salutation?
Moon Salutation, or **Chandra Namaskar**, is a yoga flow that connects you with the cool and calming energy of the moon. It’s best done in the evening or at night when you’re looking to de-stress and find balance after a long day.
This sequence is slower and more relaxing compared to Sun Salutation, making it ideal for anyone who wants to improve flexibility and calm the mind.
14 Steps of Moon Salutation
Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing Moon Salutation:
1. Prayer Pose (Pranamasana):
- Stand straight, bring your hands together in front of your chest.
- Take a deep breath and relax.
2. Raised Arms Pose (Hasta Uttanasana):
- Inhale, lift your arms overhead, and gently arch your back.
3. Side Stretch Pose (Chandrasana):
- Exhale, bend to your left side, stretching your right side.
4. Side Stretch Pose (Chandrasana):
- Inhale, return to the center.
- Exhale, bend to your right side.
5. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana):
- Exhale, bend forward from your hips.
- Let your hands touch the floor or rest on your legs.
6. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Inhale, step your left leg back into a lunge.
7. Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana):
- Exhale, straighten both legs and bring your feet wide apart.
- Bend forward, placing your hands on the floor.
8. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Inhale, bend your left knee again, returning to a lunge.
9. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Exhale, shift into a lunge on the right side.
10. Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana):
- Inhale, straighten both legs again in a wide stance.
11. Lunge Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana):
- Exhale, step your right foot forward into a lunge with the left leg back.
12. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana):
- Inhale, step your left foot forward, bending into a forward fold.
13. Raised Arms Pose (Hasta Uttanasana):
- Exhale, slowly rise up with your arms stretched overhead.
14. Prayer Pose (Pranamasana):
- Exhale, bring your hands back to your chest in prayer.
Benefits:
Here’s why you should try Moon Salutation:
1. Relieves Stress: Helps you feel calm and relaxed.
2. Improves Flexibility: Stretches your whole body gently.
3. Balances Energy: Brings harmony to your mind and body.
4. Promotes Better Sleep: Prepares your body for a restful night.
5. Easy on the Body: Perfect for people of all fitness levels.
How to Start
- When to Practice: Do this sequence in the evening or at night, especially on days when you feel tired or stressed.
- Where to Practice: Find a quiet spot at home or practice under the moonlight for a magical experience.
- How Many Rounds: Start with 2-3 rounds and increase gradually.
My Thoughts
The Moon Salutation is a simple and soothing yoga practice that helps you feel more relaxed and balanced. It’s a great way to unwind, improve flexibility, and connect with the calming energy of the moon.
So, roll out your yoga mat, take a deep breath, and let the moonlight guide you to peace and harmony.
Namaste 🌙
