Why We Choose Restorative Yoga on Full Moon & New Moon Days at Moola Yoga.
At Moola Yoga in Rishikesh, we take a unique approach to our yoga practice on Full Moon and New Moon days. Instead of our usual Ashtanga, Hatha, or Vinyasa classes, we focus on the calming and nurturing practice of Restorative Yoga. You might be wondering, "Why make this shift?" In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound connection between lunar energy and restorative practice, and explain the benefits of slowing down during these powerful phases of the moon.
The Influence of the Moon on Our Bodies
The Full Moon and New Moon have been recognized for centuries for their influence on the natural world, and their effects extend to us as well. The moon’s phases are closely connected with the rhythms of nature, including our emotional states, energy levels, and physical well-being.
Full Moon: A time of culmination and intensity. During this phase, energy peaks, often leading to overstimulation or restlessness. It’s an ideal moment for self-reflection, releasing old energy, and finding balance.
New Moon: Symbolizes new beginnings and a chance to reset. This phase is quieter, more introspective, and encourages rest, rejuvenation, and emotional cleansing.
The lunar energy of both the Full Moon and New Moon calls for a different approach in our yoga practice—one that is gentler, restorative, and deeply nurturing.
Why We Choose Restorative Yoga on These Moon Days
On Full Moon and New Moon days, we opt for Restorative Yoga instead of more dynamic practices like Ashtanga, Hatha, or Vinyasa. But why is Restorative Yoga the best choice for these lunar phases? Here are the key benefits:
1. Restoring Balance and Releasing Tension
The Full Moon can often leave us feeling overstimulated, while the New Moon can bring a sense of fatigue. Restorative Yoga allows us to release physical and mental tension, restoring balance. Using props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks, we support the body in comfortable positions that help to open up and relax deeply.
2. Encouraging Deep Rest and Relaxation
During the Full Moon, energy can feel intense and overwhelming, whereas the New Moon encourages a quiet period of introspection. Restorative Yoga promotes relaxation, allowing the body to activate its parasympathetic nervous systemand encourage healing and deep rest. It’s the perfect way to give yourself a break and reset after the intensity of the moon phases.
3. Emotional Reset and Balance
The energy of both moon phases can stir up emotional intensity. Restorative Yoga provides a safe space for emotional balance, helping you process and release stored emotions. By focusing on breath and long-held postures, the practice helps you restore emotional equilibrium and create a sense of calm.
4. Supporting the Body’s Natural Rhythms
At Moola Yoga, we believe in flowing with the rhythms of nature. On Full Moon and New Moon days, our bodies naturally call for rest and rejuvenation. Restorative Yoga aligns perfectly with these rhythms, allowing us to slow down, listen to our bodies, and restore our vital energy without forcing movement.
5. Enhancing Mindfulness and Presence
Restorative Yoga emphasizes mindfulness, requiring you to be present and aware during each pose. On the moon days, slowing down and tuning into your breath, body, and emotions can provide a powerful sense of clarity. It enhances your ability to stay in the moment, fostering peace and centeredness.
Why Restorative Yoga is Ideal for Moon Days
While dynamic practices like Ashtanga, Hatha, and Vinyasa focus on building strength and flow, Restorative Yoga is about being rather than doing. It’s about releasing, recharging, and cultivating stillness. During the Full Moon and New Moon, this is the perfect antidote to the intense energy that can sometimes leave us feeling ungrounded or exhausted.
Restorative Yoga helps us reconnect with our deeper selves, allowing us to process emotions, let go of mental clutter, and experience a profound sense of relaxation. It’s a practice that complements the lunar energy, helping us sync with the natural flow of the universe.
The Benefits of Restorative Yoga on Full Moon and New Moon Days
1. Healing Rest
The Full Moon and New Moon are both times for healing and rejuvenation. Restorative Yoga encourages the deepest relaxation possible, allowing the body to recharge, promote healing, and prepare for the next cycle of growth.
2. Mental Clarity
The practice supports mental clarity by reducing stress, calming the mind, and helping you let go of any emotional tension you may be holding. This sense of calm sets you up for success in the coming days.
3. Physical Release
Unlike other more strenuous practices, Restorative Yoga allows the body to release physical tension safely and effectively. This can help ease muscle stiffness, improve flexibility, and promote better posture.
4. Emotional Balance
Both the Full and New Moon often stir emotions. Restorative Yoga helps you stay grounded, process those emotions, and reset your energy, allowing you to enter the next phase of the lunar cycle with a clear mind and balanced spirit.
Final Thoughts: A Gentle Invitation to Slow Down
At Moola Yoga, we believe in honoring the natural rhythms of life and supporting your well-being in a mindful, balanced way. On Full Moon and New Moon days, we offer Restorative Yoga to help you reset, reflect, and restore. Whether you need to release tension or simply take time for deep relaxation, our Restorative Yoga classes are designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit during these powerful phases.
Join Us for a Restorative Practice at Moola Yoga
Ready to experience the calming, healing effects of Restorative Yoga on the next Full Moon or New Moon day?
At Moola Yoga, we go beyond teaching the fundamentals of Yoga. We guide you in integrating these teachings into your life and your practice, offering a personalized, holistic approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method.
👉 Ready to embrace a holistic approach to Yoga? Explore our 200-hour course here.
