Moon Salutations - Chandra Namaskar

Saluting Lunar Energy

watching moon rise over ocean friends

The Calming Nature of a Moon Salute

As twilight falls, the practice of Chandra Namaskar (चन्द्र नमस्कार - Candra Namaskāra), or Moon Salutation, provides an enriching pathway to harness the subtle and reflective energy of the moon. The essence of lunar energy -- tranquility-- fosters a transition into an introspective state. This practice marks the close of the day, helping us tap into the nurturing Lunar energy that resides within all of us, and readies the mind, body, and spirit to embrace restful sleep.

Benefits of Chandra Namaskar

Balance and Harmony: The sequence harmonizes physical and mental energies, fostering internal peace.

Flexibility and Strength: Regular practice of Chandra Namaskar boosts flexibility and strength.

Stress Relief: The inherently calming nature of Chandra Namaskar is excellent for stress relief and deep relaxation.

Improved Focus: This sequence requires mindfulness and concentration, promoting heightened present-moment awareness.

Preparation for Sleep: The sequence's emphasis on the downward flow of energy leaves you feeling centered, easing you into a peaceful night's sleep.

The Story Behind Chandra Namaskar

The sequence known today as Chandra Namaskar does not trace back to ancient yogic texts; in the 1980s, Megha Nancy Buttenheim at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health crafted this sequence; it has since imbued contemporary Yoga with its serene energy.

Chandra Namaskar provides a path to inner peace, a bridge from the day's active pace to the quiet stillness of the night. As a gentle guide aiding this transition, it prepares us for restful sleep. Embracing this sequence could become a cherished part of your evening routine, a unique way to honor the day's close and welcome the peace of the night. As we tap into our Ida energy and flow through the Moon Salutation, we connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.

By Genevieve Yellin

CIAYT, ERYT500
Genevieve is the founder of Sundara Yoga Therapy and the Sundara Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. She pioneered the Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy (TIYT™) methodology, and in 2009, when understanding of trauma and Yoga was relatively limited, she started training professionals in the field. Genevieve is the director of Yoga Therapy in the Integrative Pain Management Program at the People's Community Clinic (PCC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Austin, Texas. Genevieve has made significant contributions to the trauma-informed Yoga movement, and is an advocate for implementing trauma-informed care in diverse settings including prisons, SUD Recovery centers, hospitals, prisons, and other institutions. Currently, she is studying the Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College of London. Her passion lies in translational research, converting neuroscientific discoveries into applications that enrich (and scientifically validate) the healing benefits of contemplative practices she has taught thousands of clients with unresolved trauma over the past two decades.

July 05, 2023