| Sun salutations are a key part of yoga that all yogis | | | | there is no part that is fruitless. There are health as |
| are aware of and most practice as well. Chandra | | | | well as fitness gains that can be accomplished from |
| Namaskara or moon salutation is another sequence of | | | | the practice of moon salutation as a standard part of |
| asanas that are practiced under certain types of yoga. | | | | the yoga. A few of these are listed: |
| This sequence consists of a series of ten different | | | | - It is very helpful in channeling the lunar energy and |
| poses, which start with the mountain pose and lead | | | | inducing relaxing and creative traits |
| the practitioner through a number of postures to | | | | - It stretches and relaxes the spine, pelvic area, hips, |
| complete a salutation. There are a few variations of | | | | knees, ankles and the abdominal muscles. |
| the Chandra Namaskara series, but most of them | | | | - The root chakra is opened with these exercises. |
| focus on the different phases of the moon for | | | | - Toxins are removed and blood circulation is improved |
| inspiration of the cycle. These vinyasa style yoga | | | | along with maximizing the oxygen intake for better |
| sessions are often times supposed to counteract the | | | | blood flow. |
| impact of the Surya Namaskara. | | | | - Improved circulation provides a sense of well being |
| Asanas for Chandra Namaskara: | | | | and promotes a healthier self. |
| The most commonly practiced moon salutation | | | | - Relaxes the mind and body and allows centering of |
| sequence consists of a string of the following postures: | | | | the focus on the inner self. |
| Mountain Pose | | | | The benefits are not limited to these, in fact as the |
| Raised Arms Pose | | | | moon salutations are performed at night, one of its |
| Standing Forward bend | | | | most important advantages is that it proves to be |
| Lunge Pose | | | | great relaxer and sleep inducer. People suffering from |
| Downward facing Dog Pose | | | | insomnia in particular can reap the benefits of Chandra |
| Plank Pose | | | | Namaskara, as it removes the stress and soothes the |
| A combination of Ashtanga Namaskara and Cobra | | | | mind and body for a long night of peace and rest. |
| Pose | | | | Although the benefits are numerous, at the same time |
| Repetition of the first five Asanas in reverse order: | | | | caution needs to be taken when practicing moon |
| beginning with Downward Facing Dog and ending with | | | | salutations as well. As the series mostly involves a |
| Mountain Pose. | | | | combination of standing and back bending postures, it |
| There are a number of other variations that have | | | | is not suitable for people suffering from asthma or |
| evolved based on the gurus that teach them. Each is | | | | other breathing and lung problems. In addition, patients |
| designed to cater to the different needs of the yogi | | | | of heart problems should consult their medical |
| who practices it. | | | | practitioners before starting these salutations, or |
| Benefits of Moon Salutation: | | | | streamline them according to their health limitations. The |
| Yoga as a whole leads to numerous benefits for the | | | | Chandra Namaskara should entail comfortable and |
| avid practitioner. When broken down in terms of asana | | | | relaxing postures and not in any way be the cause of |
| or series advantages, then it becomes apparent that | | | | stress or strain. |