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Moonbathing

Last updated: December 21, 2023

What Does Moonbathing Mean?

Moonbathing is the practice of exposing oneself to the light of the moon in an effort to drink in the cooling lunar energy. In Ayurveda — the traditional Indian healing system and sister science of yoga — moonbathing is used to calm the pitta dosha, the bio-energy that regulates metabolism and heat.

The practice of moonbathing is believed to be beneficial for hypertension, rashes, hives and various inflammatory conditions which tend to arise as a result of excess pitta.

Moonbathing is used to regulate menstrual cycles, increase fertility, lower blood pressure and reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. It is thought to be most beneficial around the time of full moon, although each moon cycle offers benefits.

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Yogapedia Explains Moonbathing

Moonbathing is an ancient and well-respected practice. Cultivating connection with the moon was important to the early cultures of India, China, Egypt and Arabia, as well as to Celtic and pre-pagan people. Traditionally, moon worship is linked to feminine energy and fertility, particularly since women’s bodies follow the same 28-day cycle as the moon.

There are many ways to practice moonbathing, though it must take place somewhere where the moon is in full view. Moonbathing can be as simple as taking a walk in moonlight or lying on a blanket under the moon, in a similar manner to sunbathing.

However, some moonbathing practitioners prefer to conduct a ritual, such as meditation or chanting in the light of the moon. It is also believed that water collects moonlight, and so drinking or washing in water that has been bathed in moonlight is thought to enhance the practice.

Moonlight triggers the release of melatonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and initiates sleep. Since moonlight is a reflection of sunlight, it provides similar benefits such as boosting Vitamin D production, yet in a less aggravating manner. Moonlight soothes and cools excess heat, and is therefore particularly effective in treating inflammatory conditions.

In addition to its general health benefits, moonbathing is believed to be especially beneficial for women’s hormonal health. In medical astrology, the moon is linked to the pituitary gland, responsible for regulating follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone.

Moonbathing can therefore help to balance these hormones, both of which play a part in the release of estrogen. Moonbathing is also thought to be helpful in calming the symptoms of the menopause.

Traditionally, moonbathing was believed to be more effective when the moon is waxing between new moon and full moon, as this is considered to be the most auspicious time. Each phase of the moon offers different benefits which should be considered when moonbathing.

The new moon is symbolic of new beginnings, in which the focus should be inward reflection, setting new intentions and clearing mental space. Conversely, the full moon represents the culmination of energy and fruition, calling for a sense of gratitude and celebration.


During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.

To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.

Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.

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Moonbathe

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