Chandra Namaskar: Meaning, health benefits, and technique
The ancient practice of yoga has a multitude of variations that make it one of the most preferred forms of workout, even today. While you may have heard of (or even tried) Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), there is also something called Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation), both of which carry their unique significance and importance. Let's learn more about the latter.
Let us understand what 'Chandra Namaskar' exactly is
Chandra Namaskar is a practice that honors the moon and its energy. Best practiced during the night, it is a restorative sequence of multiple yoga poses that soothes and calms the body. It helps form a strong relationship between your breath and your senses, aiding in a good night's sleep. Additionally, when performing it, ensure that your stomach is empty.
Health benefits: It focuses mainly on your lower body
As opposed to Sun Salutation which is all about the upward flow of energy, Moon Salutation focuses on the downward flow of energy, which means you can attain great benefits for your lower body. This practice engages all your muscle groups, promotes flexibility, enhances strength, and improves the functioning of your respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems. It also clears your mind of chattering thoughts.
Steps to do: Here's how you can perform Chandra Namaskar
Stand straight in prayer pose, lift your arms, inhale, and bend back. Exhale, bend forward and touch your head to your knees. Push your right leg backward with its knee touching the floor, and look up. Push the other leg back too and come in a plank position. Now do balasana and drop your chin, chest, knees, and palms on the floor.
There are some more steps to follow
As you drop your chin, chest, knees, and palms, ensure your hips are lifted. Once done, come in bhujangasana, followed by parvatasana. Now bring one leg forward and look up. Bring the other leg forward, stand, touch your head to knees, bend backward, and stand.
Difference: Surya Namaskar vs Chandra Namaskar
The main difference between the two yoga practices is that Surya Namaskar is energizing, whereas Chandra Namaskar is relaxing. Additionally, the former is about heat, light, and activity, while the latter is more about cooling, receptive, and meditative properties. Moreover, when practicing Surya Namaskar, one has to switch to poses quickly, whereas during performing Chandra Namaskar, one has to do all the poses slowly.
