Surya Namaskar – The Art of Sun Salutation
Yoga is very important to keep the body and mind healthy. Among all the yoga practices, Surya Namaskar is one of the best yoga asanas. ‘Surya’ means ‘Sun’ and ‘Namaskar’ means ‘prostrate.’ Surya Namaskar is a sun salutation that consists of a sequence of 12 different yoga poses which are best done at sunrise.
Yoga experts state that Surya Namaskar’s practice is the most comfortable and beneficial yoga. What are the advantages of Surya Namaskar to getting the title from the experts? Here are the advantages of practicing Surya Namaskar yoga:
- Relieve stress and fatigue
Surya Namaskar has a calming effect on the nervous system, so it helps reduce mental stress. At the time of doing this yoga, the flow of oxygen in the body increases, and brain cells also become active. It also helps improve memory. People who have thyroid problems are recommended to do Surya Namaskar because this yoga regulates the activity of the endocrine glands. Anyone who regularly performs Surya Namaskar will be able to see the difference in his physical appearance and mental form.
- Helps combat insomnia
Performing Surya Namaskar burns calories in the body. It reduces body fatigue and keeps the mind calm. This is how this yoga is beneficial and helps people who do Surya Namaskar get a good night’s sleep.
- Stimulates Intuition or Manipura Chakra
The Manipura Chakra is located behind the navel. This is the center of the human body in contact with the sun. The Manipura Chakra develops through the continuous practice of Surya Namaskar. With regular practice of Surya Namaskar and meditation, the Manipura Chakra increases from the size of an almond to the size of a palm. Thus, the creativity and intuition of the person increase. The development of the Manipura Chakra also develops insight and makes the mind clearer and more focused. On the other hand, contractions of the Manipura Chakra cause depression and other negative tendencies.
- Improve Digestive Power
Surya Namaskar increases blood flow in the digestive system, thus ensuring smooth bowel function. The forward posture helps increase abdominal space from within with a special stretch, thereby helping to expel trapped gas from the digestive system. People suffering from constipation or indigestion are highly recommended to practice Surya Namaskar every morning on an empty stomach for best results.
- Eliminate Body Toxins
Surya Namaskar yoga poses help to keep the inhalation and exhalation process efficient. Lung ventilation can function properly and can supply fresh oxygen to the blood to keep it adequately oxygenated. It helps in detoxifying the body by removing carbon dioxide and other toxic gases from the body. Due to the active processes of inhalation and exhalation, the lungs are thoroughly ventilated thereby detoxifying the whole body.
- Help lose weight
Make Surya Namaskar an essential part of daily life. Doing Surya Namaskar every morning will help you lose weight faster. Research shows that this yoga is much faster than following a strict diet plan. When we start, we will find the body will start to look fit and the weight around the stomach will decrease.
- Ensures Regular Menstrual Cycle
Performing Surya Namaskar regularly keeps the lower abdomen, buttocks, uterus, and ovaries healthy. In addition, practicing yoga scientifically is also able to regulate emotions, balance hormones, and even make women’s bodies healthier. This helps to get rid of the problem of menstrual irregularity at its root. Taking 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week has been proven to make a woman’s menstrual cycle more regular and balanced.
- Increase Body Strength and Flexibility
Practicing 12 different asanas in Surya Namaskar will make your body more flexible and agile. Not only is it good for stretching and strengthening muscles, but it can also help with spinal flexibility. Different asanas affect different parts of the body. When we move from one asana to another, the continuity of practice is maintained. If you do Surya Namaskar every day, you will not find stiffness in your body and feel more flexible
How to Do Surya Namaskar Yoga?
There are 12 different yoga poses of Surya Namaskar. Practicing Surya Namaskar yoga should ideally be twelve sets daily. One set includes two rounds – one with the right foot, and one with the left. To achieve the maximum effect from the exercise – try facing east during the first-morning sun. Here are the 12 different yoga poses of Surya Namaskar:
Prayer pose – Pranamasana- Raised arms pose Hasta Uttanasana
- Hand to foot pose – Hasta Padasana
- Equestrian pose – Ashwa Sanchalanasana
- Stick pose – Dandasana,
- Salute with eight parts or points – Ashtanga Namaskara,
- Cobra pose – Bhujangasana,
- Mountain pose – Parvatasana,
- Equestrian pose – Ashwa Sanchalanasana
- Hand to foot pose – Hasta Padasana,
- Raised Arms Pose- Hasta Uttanasana
- Standing Mountain pose – Tadasana
In case of any medical condition, practice yoga only after consulting a doctor and Yoga teacher. It is highly recommended to practice yoga under the supervision of a Yoga Teacher to ensure safety during practice. If you’re training on your own, listen to your body, modify if necessary, and remember that you shouldn’t experience pain while practicing.
Are you interested in practicing Surya Namaskar yoga? Or are you just living it? Share your experience in the comments section below.
