Moon Days and Practice

The Shala will be closed on the following Moon Days in 2026:

Sun, Feb 1 - Full Moon and Tues, Feb 17- New Moon

Tues, Mar 3 - Full Moon and Wed, Mar 18 - New Moon

Wed, Apr 1 - Full Moon and Fri, Apr 17 - New Moon

Fri, May 1 - Full Moon and Sat, may 16 - New Moon and Sun, May 31 - Full Moon

Sun, Jun 14 - New Moon and Mon, Jun 29 - Full Moon

Tues, Jul 14 - New Moon and Wed, Jul 29 - Full Moon

Wed, Aug 12 - New Moon and Fri, Aug 28 - Full Moon

Fri, Sept 11 - New Moon and Sat, Sept 26 - Full Moon

Sat, Oct 10 - New Moon and Sun, Oct 25 - Full Moon

Mon, Nov 9 - New Moon and Tues, Nov 24 - Full Moon

Wed, Dec 9 - New Moon and Wed - Dec 23 - Full Moon

Moon Days and Practice

In the traditional Ashtanga system, practice follows natural rhythms. There are days to practice and days to rest. Full moon and new moon days are rest days. This has always been part of the method.

The moon affects the body. On full moon days, energy tends to rise and become unstable. People may feel overstimulated, unfocused, or physically tight. On new moon days, energy drops, and the body naturally turns inward and slows down. Practicing strong physical postures on either of these days increases the chance of strain, fatigue, or injury.

For this reason, asana practice is stopped on moon days. This is not a suggestion or a modern adjustment. It is part of how the practice was designed to protect the body and nervous system.

Resting on these days allows the body to recover, the joints to settle, and the nervous system to reset. When students skip rest and push through, problems often develop over time. The old teachers saw this clearly and set these guidelines to keep the practice safe and sustainable.

On moon days, the shala is closed. Students rest and return to practice the next day with more stability and clarity.

Why Rest Matters

Traditional teaching values long-term health over short-term effort. Practicing every day without regard for natural cycles leads to exhaustion, injuries, and burnout. Rest days help:

  • Prevent overuse injuries

  • Support recovery of muscles and joints

  • Calm the nervous system

  • Improve focus and consistency over time

A strong practice is not built by force. It is built by knowing when to practice and when to stop.

Menstruation and Practice

Menstruation is a natural apanic process, governed by downward-moving energy. Over-engaging Mula Bandha or Uddiyana Bandha during this time can interfere with that flow and potentially disrupt the menstrual cycle.

Menstruation is a natural process that places extra demand on the body. During this time, the body is releasing tissue and fluids and needs energy for that work. Strong physical practice, jumping, and intense core engagement can interfere with this process and place unnecessary strain on the system.

In the yoga and yoga therapy of the traditional Ashtanga method, women are advised to rest from asana practice for two to three days during the heaviest days of their cycle. This pause is commonly known as ladies’ holiday and is meant to support health, not restrict participation but to honors the body’s natural rhythms.

During menstruation, the uterus sheds its lining, and the body benefits from rest to support this natural release. While bandhas play a key role in stabilizing and protecting the body during asana, vigorous engagement or intense physical activity during heavy flow can strain the system, sometimes leading to irregular cycles or even amenorrhea (the temporary cessation of menstruation).

Taking this time to rest allows the body to replenish and restore balance. Gentle, restorative, or meditative practices are often more supportive during this phase, helping practitioners stay attuned to their inner rhythms and maintain harmony between body and mind.

Practicing strongly during heavy flow can contribute over time to:

  • Increased fatigue

  • Pelvic and lower back strain

  • Irregular cycles

  • Hormonal imbalance

Rest allows the body to complete its natural process efficiently and without stress.