LUNAR YOGA
MOON PHASE YOGA
From ancient times, the moon has a profound impact on humans and animals here on earth. Ocean tides are caused by the moon's gravitational pull, as we all know. Some believe that we humans are affected by the moon's gravitational pull just as the oceans are because our bodies are made up of 70% water, similar to the composition of seawater. Women are particularly susceptible to the moon's influence as their menstrual cycle and biorhythms of emotional ups and downs are similar to the lunar cycle, and the moon's waxing and waning cycles are said to affect their metabolism and digestion.
The concept of Lunar Yoga is to resonate with the energy of the moon while holding poses that focus on the parts of the body that respond to the lunar signs of the day.
The Moon goes through a cycle of phases that repeats itself from new moon to full moon (14 days) and from full moon to new moon (14 days).
New Moon to Full Moon
During the period of the moon's waxing, the body absorbs many things and tries to store energy. The key words are "replenishment" and "intake". It is a good time for "body building" such as muscle training. This is truly a time of "growth". Be careful just before the full moon as it is easy to gain weight no matter what you eat. Your mind will be open to the outside world, absorbing events as they occur. Relationships and love will also "grow" like the moon.
The lessons during this period will be a Power Yoga class that focuses on the actively moving core and physical body incorporating slightly challenging poses.
Full Moon to New Moon
During the period of the moon's waxing, the body absorbs many things and tries to store energy. The key words are "replenishment" and "intake". It is a good time for "body building" such as muscle training. This is truly a time of "growth". Be careful just before the full moon as it is easy to gain weight no matter what you eat. Your mind will be open to the outside world, absorbing events as they occur. Relationships and love will also "grow" like the moon.
Lessons during this period will be a Relaxing Yoga class that focuses on recovery and healing of the body and mind incorporating low-impact poses.
New Moon
A time of beginning, a time of purification. It is a good day to cleanse the mind and body of unwanted substances to detoxify and start a new day.
Lessons on this day will be a Healing Yoga class that focuses on deep breathing and holding poses more comfortably than usual as if to get rid of waste products within your body and mind.
Full Moon
A time of fulfillment. When events and emotions begun at the New Moon reach their zenith. It is easy to become emotional and impulsive as the thoughts in your chest overflow. For better or worse, this point is the culmination of this point.
Lessons on this day will be a Detox Yoga class that focuses onreleasing and loosening the tension in your body, identifying negative emotions and unwanted ones and posing with the intention of letting them go.
References:
Johanna Paungger & Thomas Poppe, The Healing of the Moon, translated by Shoko Ogawa, Asuka Shinsho
Maiko Shimamoto, Moon Yoga - The 28-Day Purification Method for Aligning the Mind and Body, Kodansya