Yoga comes with multiple health benefits. It helps in strengthening the bones and the muscles and boosting immunity. In yoga, the sun salutation and moon salutation are two routines that focus on working and stretching the entire body. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, Columnist and Author, shared the importance of moon salutation – the Chandra Namaskar. “The Chandra Namaskar is a salutation to the moon. The moon represents our emotions, emotional intelligence and taste. The left side is the moon's energy and is represented symbolically through this flow, while the sun is represented by the right,” he explained.

Sequence of Chandra Namaskar:

Asana 1: Pranam Asana – Prayer Pose

Asana 2: Hasta Uttanasana – Raised-arms Pose

Asana 3: Padahastasana – Standing Forward Bend Pose

Asana 4: Ashwasanchalan Asana – Equestrian Pose

Asana 5: Ardha Chandrasana – Half-moon Pose

Asana 6: Santolanasana - Plank Pose

Asana 7: Ashtanga Pranamasana – Eight-limbed Bow Pose

Asana 8: Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose

Asana 9: Adhomukhi Swanasana - Downward-facing Dog Pose

Asana 10: Ashwasanchalan Asana – Equestrian Pose

Asana 11: Ardha Chandrasana – Half-moon Pose

Asana 12: Padahastasana – Standing Forward Bend Pose

Asana 13: Hastha Utthan Asana – Raised-Arms Pose

Asana 14: Pranam Asana - Prayer Pose

Health benefits of Chandra Namaskar:

Physically, this flow strengthens the lower back and opens your shoulders. It mobilises the knees by lubricating the kneecaps and prevents them from turning stiff. The pelvic region becomes more flexible with regular practice. Chandra Namaskar also promotes weight loss and creates a sense of balance in your body. It also helps in strengthening and stretching the spine. It also helps in supporting the hamstrings, backs of legs and stomach muscles. Regular practice of Chandra Namaskar helps in boosting many bodily functions, such as digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems. Chandra Namaskar is ideally practiced at 6 pm facing the moon.

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