Chandra Namaskar (Sanskrit: चन्द्र नमस्कार candra namaskāra) is the Moon Salutation, a greeting of respect. This practice originates from the yoga tradition. It is a calming practice designed to honor the moon's energy, which differs from solar energy in its soothing effect. Connected to the moon phases, the Chandra Namaskar practice consists of 14 asanas, the sequence of which corresponds to the 14 days of the moon's movement leading to the full moon and the 14 days leading to the new moon. This practice reflects lunar energy, and the moon is associated with emotions and the subconscious world; therefore, this practice helps release tension, manage changing moods, regain inner peace, and create harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

Chandra Namaskar is a gentle, evening, calming yoga practice that honors the lunar energy, restores inner balance after the day's events, helps to calm the mind, relax the body, and prepare for sleep and evening meditation. It is practiced in the evening to balance the overactive energy built up during the day, after intense work or physical activity.

Slow, conscious movements release tension, improve flexibility, spinal and joint mobility, restore balance between strength and flexibility, improve posture and spinal health, and promote deeper breathing, which naturally calms the nervous system. Since Chandra Namaskar is an evening practice, it is particularly beneficial before sleep, as it prepares the body and mind for rest, reducing stress and anxiety.

The Moon Salutation practice is performed after dark in the evening, before preparing for sleep. Unlike the Sun Salutation, which energizes and wakes up the body, this practice in the evening calms, relaxes, and restores energy balance after an active day.

Chandra Namaskar is a dynamic sequence of yoga asanas that combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness. The flow of the practice: it consists of 14 synchronized positions of the moon salutation symbolizing the cycle of lunar energy. It is performed 14 times, in 7 cycles for the left and right sides. During the practice, 14 Goddess mantras are chanted, which carry spiritual energy within them. The practice begins by standing on the mat with hands joined in prayer and focusing on the moonlight. Focusing on the moonlight, breathing, and mantras helps to calm down, let go of the day's impressions, and harmonize emotions.

You can learn how to perform the Moon Salutation practice correctly by visiting the Mai Ram Yoga ashram or learn to perform it at home by joining Mai Ram Yoga Patreon, where you will find instructional videos.

The Moon Salutation is a yoga practice that brings peace and relaxation, positively affecting both physical and mental well-being. The impact of yoga manifests through slow, conscious movements that improve body flexibility, health, balance the nervous system, and restore emotional equilibrium. Combining movement with breath improves blood circulation and reduces tension in the body.

With regular practice, the vital energy circulating in the body is purified, making it possible to manage changing moods, emotions, and other processes in the human body affected by the changing phases of the moon.

In the yoga tradition, the moon symbolizes the feminine Shakti energy, which is associated with intuition, emotional stability, and tranquility. By performing Chandra Namaskar, one harmonizes their inner energy with the cosmic rhythm. The moon governs feelings and emotions. Chandra Namaskar helps to calm down because it activates the ida nadi, the energy channel that is important during sleep. Practicing Chandra Namaskar strengthens the connection with nature, its cycles, and constant change. This helps to feel more connected to the universe, nature, and oneself. This gentle yoga practice is especially suitable to practice during a full moon, when we can observe the moon and its light.