By practicing this powerful (yet little known) practice we can tap into the cooling, soothing energy of the moon and bring it into our bodies, providing equilibrium in an intense, fast-paced world. These moon salutation yoga poses have documented benefits, such as providing mental clarity and strengthening the back. By channeling the lunar energy you also receive benefits to all the visceral organs.
Drawing on the power of the moon, moon salutations are best practiced at night when the moon is visible, and on an empty stomach. However they can be practiced in the late afternoon or any time in the evening. In the tradition of Ashtanga, it is advised that yoga is not practiced during the full moon or the new moon because on these days there is an overabundance of prana (life force energy) on the former, and an overabundance of apana (life force of elimination) on the latter, both of which will cause an imbalance.