Moon bathing may have a new-age twang to it, but it has been a well respected practice for thousands of years. Ancient cultures lived in sync with the earth’s seasonal cycles, and worshiping both the moon and the sun has been found in the original cultures of Egypt, Arabia, China and India.
In Ayurveda , the ancient Indian healing practice, the cooling effect of moon bathing is recommended for balancing the fiery pitta dosha to create harmony in the body, treating a variety of inflammatory symptoms.
What is moon bathing?
Moon bathing follows exactly the same principle as sun bathing: go outside when the moon is in full view and absorb its light. Try to pick a space that is restful and private. You can do this with your clothes on or off, laying down or going for a walk. There is no time limit on how long you should moon bathe – the experience is completely up to you.
What are the benefits of moon bathing?
Calming mind and body
“According to Ayurveda, the moon has a cooling, soothing and calming healing energy for the mind and body,” says Jillian Lavender , founder of The London Meditation Centre . “Exposure to moonlight is an effective way to soothe and cool excess heat, anger and imbalances from the body’s system (calming the pitta dosha) and has been used to help diseases such as hypertension, migraines, hives, rashes, urticaria and other inflammatory conditions.”
Optimising fertility
As well as general health benefits, the moon is thought to be hormonally beneficial for women in particular. “The moon has a especially powerful influence on our daily and monthly cycles,” says Jillian.
“Early moon worship is intricately linked to the feminine and fertility,” agrees Fiona Harlowe , moon bathing expert and whole-body facialist. “Because moon light is actually reflected sun light, it too can boost vitamin D levels, as well as give us nitric oxide which is know to help regulate blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
“The moon is considered to be linked to the left (female) side of the brain, and most especially to the hormonal hub of the pituitary gland, as well as the uterus, breasts, ovaries and menstrual cycle. The pituitary gland is very much linked to the moon in medical astrology and is responsible for the release of the follicle-stimulating hormone and the luteinising hormone, both of which are intrinsic to the release of estrogen, which thickens the wall of the uterus.”
Like the moon, women’s bodies follow a 28 day cycle, and syncing your own cycle to the phases of the moon was thought by many cultures to optimise fertility. “Ideally in the first quarter when the moon is waxing, the egg develops and is released,” says Fiona. “In the full moon, on the 14th day, the egg reaches maturity and is released, and at the end of the following waning period comes menstruation.”
Soothing menopause symptoms
But it isn’t only about fertility. The moon offers help for us women whichever stage of life we’re at, including the perimenopause and menopause. “The lunar essence is akin to the symbolic representation of water – cool, smooth and flowing,” says Jillian. “This is particularly helpful as women transition through perimenopause and menopause. As this shift occurs, if there are underlying imbalances that have accumulated over the years – problems such as irritability, anger, hyperacidity, feeling overheated, heavy menstrual bleeding, skin problems and migraines – the effect of bathing in moonlight is said to bring the opposite qualities – ones that are soothing, cooling and nourishing.”
How to moon bathe
There is no right or wrong way to have a moon bath – you just go outside into the darkness under a bright moon and relax. But timing is key: “It is best to bathe in the waxing moon (from new moon to full moon) as this is considered most auspicious,” says Jillian.
“The way we feel about our bodies correlates to the ebb and flow of the moon cycles,” says Fiona. “From the lymphatic flow to the menstrual cycle, our body is moved by the moon and our feelings are pulled by its draw. We can over-feel and be quick to exaggerate emotion during a full moon, whilst feel more withdrawn and inward in the dark night of a new moon.”
Moon bathing rituals
While bathing in moon light will always have some benefits, its cycles will have different effects on how we feel. Below are rituals for a new moon versus a full moon, but for all moon bathing rituals, breathe deeply, flooding your body with nourishing oxygen and allow your heart to open without judgement. Read on to discover which moon phase is right for you.
New moon ritual: time to soften
“In simple terms, the darkness of a new moon is a time for new beginnings,” says Fiona. “A new moon is for clearing out and away anything that no longer serves us. It is a good time for a detox, to set new intentions and to go inward and reevaluate what we need and where we want to go.”
“The new moon is also a time for inward reflection so don’t forget to gift yourself a healthy dose of forgiveness for the mistakes it’s felt like you’ve made. It’s all part of life’s rich tapestry and the new moon gives us a clean slate to begin again and again and again.”
Purpose: Fresh starts and second chances.
Affirmation: “I trust that the universe will provide all that I need and more.”
Try: Journaling. Write down where you want to be and visualise you plans for the upcoming month. Be specific, whilst keeping room for the universe to work its magic and deliver more than you ever imagined possible.
Full moon ritual: time to hold steady
“In contrast, the mystical time of the full moon represents the culmination of energy, completion and fruition,” says Fiona. “It is a time for gratitude, reflection and celebration and to acknowledge and be glad for that which has come to fruition. The full moon represents completion.”
“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during a full moon, so be gentle with yourself. Take a step back from your emotional responses and reactions, and try to explain yourself and how you are feeling in a healthy, clear way. Write down everything you are feeling. Be aware it may just be a transient rise and will pass quickly. Notice if there are any areas you have been ignoring, suppressing or overlooking.”
Purpose: Ignite your wildest instincts as lunar energy peaks and our sensitivity rises.
Affirmation: I am grateful to the universe for providing all that I need. I trust I am fully taken care of by the universe.
Try: Charge your crystals and sacred items (rocks, Buddha statues, feathers, jewellery, symbols and singing bowls) – lay them out carefully in the moonlight to be cleansed and fuelled by the lunar energy.
Moon water is water that has been left outside (or by a window) overnight to absorb the moon’s power. Adding this water to your bath is a great alternative to moon bathing outside – especially if it’s a bit too cold to venture outdoors.
You can technically make moon water at any time in the moon’s cycle (a full moon is the most potent phase), but do not charge moon water in a lunar eclipse.
You can also use moon water to cleanse crystals, clean your home and water plants.
Experts in this article
Jillian Lavender , founder of The London Meditation Centre
Fiona Harlowe , moon bathing expert and whole-body facialist
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