The Moon Salutation
As the 21st century progresses more and more individuals are becoming aware that simply losing weight is not enough to obtain a wholesome body and mind. For this reason,society has turned towards yoga for a complete and holistic solution to one’s health
One of the famous positions is called the Sun Salutation which is a male centred pose aimed at warming up the body. Its lesser known counterpart is called the Moon Salutation or Chandra Namaskar The primary objective of performing the moon salutation is to cool down and quieten the body. This is achieved via a series of sequential movements or ‘poses’, resulting in optimal mindfulness of both the body and soul. These poses redirect energy without any significant change in body heat, thus creating a pleasant cooling effect. Yoga differs greatly from typical exercise, in that it incorporates centred breathing and balance (both literally and figuratively). The Sun salutation honours the Yang or masculine aspect of our lives. The moon salutation is all about the journey through the mind.It involves deep introspection and honours the Yin aspect of our existence, which has a more female touch.
The main destination of the Moon Salutation is enlightenment of the mind, but an attractive lesser benefit is its ability to dramatically aid weight loss and tone flabby skin, especially in problematic areas such as the abdomen, thighs and arms. The use of steady breathing helps to combat chronic stress, and reduce high blood pressure.
Moon Salutations have the maximum effect when performed during the phase of a full moon, the most powerful lunar phase.
Urdhva Hasatana: While inhaling stretch out your hands and keep them pointing upwards.
Standing Crescent Pose: This movement should be performed while exhailing. Tilt your body towards your right, stretch as much as possible while contracting in tummy.
Goddess Pose: Keeping your feet apart with toes pointing outwards, squat with an upright posture. Bend your arms at a90degree angle.
Trikonasana: While inhaling, face both feet to the right withoutstretched arms. Lower the right hand towards your ankle and extend your left arm. Inhale and rotate the chest to the sky.
Parsvottonasana: Exhale, and extend both hands and feet as far apart as possible. Extend your left arm over the right side of your body while gracefully facing upwards.
Skandasana:Inhale and bring your right hand over your shoulders and onto to the floor.
Parsvottonasana:Exhale, take a small step, inwards with your right foot, left leg straightens, straighten your hips and fold your body over your left leg
Trikonasana: Inhale, readjust your feet and keep your arm extended. Turn your entire body to face upwards while exhaling.
Urdhva Hasatana : Inhale, bring your feet back in, lift your arms up keeping them stretched as far apart as possible
Lastly repeat the above procedures but with opposite directions.
It might seem daunting at first, so try to first observe an expert performing these poses before you try it for yourself.
