YOGA POSES: MOON SALUTATIONS
Sunday, August 15th, 2010If you’re a yoga student, you’ve probably heard of sun salutations. They are a key part of yoga that all yogis are aware of and most practice as well.
Chandra Namaskara, or moon salutes, is another sequence of asanas that are practiced in certain traditions as well. This sequence consists of a series of ten different poses starting with mountain pose and leading the practitioner through a series of postures to complete a salutation. There are a few variations of the Chandra Namaskara series, but most of them focus on the different phases of the moon for inspiration of the cycle.
These vinyasa style yoga sessions are intended to counteract the impact of the Surya Namaskara.
ASANAS FOR CHANDRA NAMASKARA: Moon Salute Practice
The most commonly practiced moon salutation sequence consists of a string of the following postures:
*Mountain Pose
*Standing Forward bend
*Lunge Pose
*Downward facing Dog Pose
*Plank Pose
You can think of Moon Salutes as a combination of Ashtanga Vinyasa and traditional Hatha Yoga practices with an emphasis on forward bends and passive cobra practice.
HOW TO PRACTICE:
*Repeat the first five Asanas in reverse order beginning with Downward Facing Dog and ending with Mountain Pose.
NOTE: There are a number of other variations that have evolved based on the gurus that teach them. Each is designed to cater to the different needs of the yogi who practices it.
WHY MOON SALUTES?
Yoga as a whole leads to numerous benefits for the avid practitioner. If you break it down in terms of asana or series advantages, then it becomes apparent that EVERY posture has its own unique benefits including health as well as fitness gains.
COMMON BENEFITS:
* It is very helpful in channeling the lunar energy and inducing relaxing and creative traits
* It stretches and relaxes the spine, pelvic area, hips, knees, ankles and the abdominal muscles
* The root chakra is opened with these exercises
* toxins are removed and blood circulation is improved along with maximizing the oxygen intake for better blood flow
* Improved circulation provides a sense of well being and promotes a healthier self
* Relaxes the mind and body and allows centering of the focus on the inner self
One of its most important advantages is that Moon Salutes are a great relaxer and sleep inducer. People suffering from insomnia in particular can reap the benefits of Chandra Namaskara, as it removes the stress and soothes the mind and body for a long night of peace and rest.
Despite all the benefits, new students should be cautious. Since the series mostly involves a combination of standing and back bending postures, it is not suitable for people suffering from asthma or other breathing and lung problems.
Similarly, patients of heart problems should consult their medical practitioners before starting these salutations, or streamline them according to their health limitations. The Chandra Namaskara should entail comfortable and relaxing postures and not in any way be the cause of stress or strain.
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