10 Benefits of Chandra Namaskaras: Harnessing the Feminine Energy

Nature is bestowed with abundance and knows how to balance itself. Just like every coin
has two sides, the universe is created in a perfectly balanced state. The right side has a left
side, masculine has a feminine aspect and Sun has moon energies to counter balance the
heat with the coolness. Yoga encompasses both Sun and Moon Salutations to allow perfect
harmony. Many practitioners use Moon Salutations or Chandra Namaskars on the days when
they require to tap into the feminine side of the nature or to harness the cooling energy of
the moon.

Moon Salutations are a reflection of Sun Salutations and created in the image of the
same. Just as the moon has not light and draws light from the Sun, similarly, Chandra
Namaskars follows the path laid down by Surya Namaskars with a few variations, but it
works to activate the left side of the body and the brain. Chandra Namaskars must be
performed after sunset or at night to infuse the coolness of moon into one’s aura field,
body, mind and life. The moon has a deep impact on us with its different phases and
therefore this prayer to the moon (Moon Salutations) must be practiced keeping in mind the
phases of the moon. On no moon days it is advised not to practice the series, whereas on
the full moon days are the best time of the year to harness the energy of the moon.

An invention of the recent times, Chandra Namaskar was introduced to the world only in
20th Century. Bihar School of Yoga published the sequence in the famous book of yoga,
‘Asana, Pranayama, Mudhra, Bandha’ in 1969 and since then there have been a few other
variations of the same with different schools of yoga, but the essence has remained the
same. Harnessing the lunar power offers a large number of benefits to the practitioner. Here
are some benefits of Chandra Namaskars.

Benefits of Chandra Namaskars

1. As a patron of yoga, I have learnt that Moon Salutations have a very soothing effect
on the body as well as on the mind. So on those days when I don’t feel centered or
depleted with energy, I pick up moon salutation to create a sense of balance,
harmony and calmness in the body. This smoothening sister of fierce Sun Salutations
caresses the practitioner and nurtures him/her rather than forcing them into the fiery
pit of aggressive yoga.
 2. With a cooling impact, Moon Salutations are also great for days when one is feeling
hot headed or over heated. People with Pitta Dosha or who get aggressive or angry
very quickly should practice Moon Salutations as it pacifies a burning heart and
maintains positivity along with balancing the breath and the heart rate.

3. Activation of feminine energy enables the practitioner to get in touch with his/her
motherly nature and also removes ego or passion for useless things or events or
situations. Generating the attitude of gratitude, the long deep breaths bring the
practitioner to the present moment and allow him/her to take a second and reflect on
his/her life and the actions.

4. Generating patience and peace, it also connects the practitioner to his/her intuitive
side. People often experience higher connection to their gut feeling. The reason for
this development with Moon Salutations accounts to the tranquil energy of the poses
performed. Removing tension, ego and stress, which are a barrier in connecting with
one’s intuition, the practitioner learns to be calm, attentive and acknowledges his/her
inner voice.

5. Yogis understood the significance of inversions as well as locks long ago. Therefore,
they performed the same to conserve the nectar produced by the body. With Sun
Salutations and other aggressive yoga poses they changed their body with heat and
by performing the counter poses they replenished the system. Since in present
scenario Sun Salutation is one of the most sort after series, it becomes mandatory to
counter balance it with Moon Salutations. It cools the body and prepares it for another
day or time when the practitioner wants to perform Sun Salutation.

6. Carrying the above point forward, Sun Salutation activates the logical and rational
mind on the right side of the brain. Moon Salutations on the other hand does exactly
the opposite. It activates the left side of the brain and brings creativity in the
practitioner’s body. Cultivating lunar energy consciously can be very beneficial for
people involved in creative fields like art, writing, dancing etc.

7. Regular practice of Moon Salutations also enhances the blood circulation in the body
and removes lethargy, excessive sleepiness, insomnia and stress. It is great for
visceral organs and increases flexibility and suppleness. The long, deep breaths
included in every pose allows the practitioner to experience high level of oxygen in the
body, thereby adding higher energy levels, removing breath related diseases.
 Furthermore, it works on the spine, legs, arms, back and shoulder by stretching and
strengthening it.

8. Enhancing the functioning of the glands, it activates the adrenal gland, thyroid gland
and it balances the heart chakra as it works on chest opening poses and lung
cleansing. The quieting practice removes sciatica nerve pain, cures sexual ailments,
removes constipation, improves confidence and is great for those seeking to start off
with meditation.

9. The rejuvenating practice of Moon Salutations can work as a balm for the pain
experienced in the mensuration cycle by women. Also, the lower energies days due to
pre or post mensuration syndrome can be eased out with this practice.

10. Many people who suffer from a lower energy or lower power of the moon in their
astrological charts can practice Moon Salutations as well. As it is a form of prayer to
the moon, the practitioner can start by worshipping and chanting mantras that are
suggested by a learned astrologer and perform the poses. Just as Sun Salutations
have a mantra for every pose, there are mantras for Chandra Namaskars as well. This
will help in bringing the cooling energies and blessings of the planet moon in your life.

If you are new to the practice of Moon Salutations, it is advised to practise the series
in an open space in the evening while looking at the moon. This will bring higher benefits
and also aid in increasing the meditation practice. You can first do a short meditation and
then perform the poses followed by a longer version of the meditation. Chanting the
Mantras of Moon Salutation is highly beneficial as well. If you like Sun Salutations and
prefer opting for rigorous practices of heating poses, it is must that you counter balance it
with the practice of Moon Salutations. Move slowly and dance with the flow of the lunar
energy rather than rushing through the poses as done in Sun Salutations.