The practice of Chandra Namaskara
A great deal could be said about the practice of Chandra Namaskara and its benefits. It gives physical as well as spiritual benefit to everyone who practises it. Chandra Namaskara is done in the evening: it helps one to calm down and prepare for evening meditation or for sleep.
Chandra Namaskara is a practice of saluting the moon which harmonises, calms and helps restore balance between body, mind and emotions. Chandra Namaskara yoga fosters balance, relaxation and a sustained connection with the cycles of nature.
What is Chandra Namaskara?
Chandra Namaskara (candra namaskāra) is the salutation to the moon, a way of honouring it. The practice comes from the yogic tradition. It is a calming practice that honours the energy of the moon, which differs from the energy of the sun in its soothing effect. Connected with the cycles of the moon, the practice of Chandra Namaskara consists of 14 asanas, whose sequence corresponds to the 14 days of the moon's movement towards the full moon and the 14 days of its movement towards the new moon. The practice reflects the energy of the moon, and the moon is associated with the emotions and the world of the subconscious, so the practice helps to release tension, manage changing moods, regain inner peace and create harmony between body, mind and spirit.
Why practise the moon salutation?
Chandra Namaskara is a gentle, calming evening yoga practice that honours the energy of the moon, restores inner balance after the events of the day, and helps to quiet the mind, relax the body and prepare for sleep and evening meditation. It is practised in the evening in order to balance the overly active energy built up during the day, after demanding work or physical activity.
Slow, conscious movements remove tension, improve flexibility and the mobility of the spine and joints, restore the balance between strength and flexibility, improve posture and the health of the spine, and encourage deeper breathing, which naturally calms the nervous system. Since Chandra Namaskara is an evening practice, it is especially beneficial before sleep, as it prepares body and mind for rest and reduces stress and anxiety.
When is the best time to practise Chandra Namaskara?
The moon salutation is practised in the evening after dark, before getting ready for sleep. Unlike the sun salutation, which gives energy and wakes the body up, this practice calms and relaxes in the evening and restores energetic balance after an active day.
How is Chandra Namaskara done?
Chandra Namaskara is a dynamic sequence of yoga asanas that joins movement, breath and attention. The course of the practice: it consists of 14 synchronised moon salutation postures that symbolise the cycle of the moon's energy. It is done 14 times, 7 rounds on the left side and 7 on the right. During the practice, the mantras of 14 goddesses are recited, which carry spiritual energy within them. The practice begins standing on the mat, palms joined in prayer, focusing on the light of the moon. Focusing on the moon's light, the breath and the mantras helps to calm down, let go of the impressions of the day and harmonise the emotions.
The moon salutation is best learned correctly under the guidance of a Mai Ram Yoga teacher. If you would like to learn it, write to us.
Effects of Chandra Namaskara on body and mind
The moon salutation is a yoga practice that brings calm and relaxation and has a positive effect on both physical and mental well-being. The effect of the yoga shows through slow, conscious movements that improve the flexibility and health of the body, balance the nervous system and restore emotional balance. Joining movement with breath improves circulation and reduces tension in the body.
With regular practice, the vital energy circulating in the body is purified, which makes it possible to manage changing moods, emotions and other processes in the human body that are influenced by the phases of the moon.
Spiritual aspects of Chandra Namaskara yoga
In the yogic tradition, the moon symbolises the feminine energy of Shakti, which is connected with intuition, emotional stability and calm. Doing Chandra Namaskara, a person harmonises their inner energy with the cosmic rhythm. The moon governs feelings and emotions. Chandra Namaskara helps one to calm down because it activates ida nadi, the energy channel that is important during sleep. Practising Chandra Namaskara strengthens the connection with nature, its cycles and constant change. This helps one feel more connected with the universe, with nature and with oneself. This gentle yoga practice is especially suited to the full moon, when we can watch the moon and its light.