Benefits of Surya Namaskar

Sun is the life source of our planet. Every organism on earth derives life from some element of the sun. “Surya Namaskar” or “Sun Salutation” essentially means bowing down to the sun.

The principle of Surya Namaskar, as described by Indian sages, is to “digest” the sun, internalize it, and make it a part of your system to reap its many physical and spiritual benefits.

What is Surya Namaskar?

The Surya Namaskar, or sun salutation, comprises of a sequence of 12 yoga postures, best done at sun rise. If done fast, it serves as a great cardiovascular workout. If done slowly, these postures help tone our muscles and relax the system. Regular practice of the Surya Namaskar gives strength, vitality and flexibility to our bodies.

How to do Surya Namaskar?

The 12 poses of the Surya Namaskar, in order are

1. Pranamasan / Prayer Pose – The first pose, where one stands erect with feet fully touching each other, and palms together. The idea is to start with a prayer to the sun.
2. Hastauttanasana / Raised Arms Pose – The pose where arms are raised upward, with palms still together. The idea is to stretch the body, towards the sun. Inhale Pose.
3. Hasta Padasana / Hand to Foot pose – A pose where one bends forward such that our palms touch our feet, while keeping our spine erect, and without bending our knees. Exhale pose.
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana / Equesterian Pose – Pose where the right leg is pushed as far back as possible, with the left leg between the palms on the ground. Inhale Pose.
5. Dandasana / Stick Pose – A pose where you balance the entire body on your arms, keeping the spine erect.
6. Ashtanga Namaskara / Eight Point Salutation Pose – A pose where the chin, chest, palms, knees and feet are touching the ground, with the hips raised. Exhale Pose.
7. Bhujangasana / Cobra Pose – A pose like the cobra, where the lower body and palms touch the ground, and the upper body is stretched upwards and forward. Inhale Pose.
8. Adho Mukho Shavasana/ Downward Dog Pose – With the palms and feet touching the ground, the hips are raised so the body forms an inverted “V”, resembling a stretching dog. Exhale Pose.
9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose) – Pose where the left leg is pushed as far back as possible, with the right leg between the palms on the ground. Inhale Pose.
10. Hasta Padasana / Hand to Foot pose – A pose where one bends forward such that our palms touch our feet, while keeping our spine erect, and without bending our knees. Exhale pose.
11. Hastauttanasana / Raised Arms Pose – The pose where arms are raised upward, with palms still together. The idea is to stretch the body, towards the sun. Inhale Pose.
12. Tadasana / Standing Pose – A relaxing pose, where one stands erect, with arms to the side. Exhale Pose.

10 Benefits of Surya Namaskar

Regular practice of Sun Salutation offers a lot of interesting benefits for every part of the body. Let’s take a look at some of them –

1.  Improves circulation of blood. Good blood circulation is the first law of health.
2. Strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, back, stomach, waist, abdomen, intestines, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. Basically strengthens us overall.
3. Gives the body a rigorous workout, thereby reducing excess fat.
4. Helps tone our muscles and keep them lean and strong.
5. Helps relax our mind and reduces anxiety, fear and restlessness.
6. Helps build focus and achieve inner peace.
7. Improves flexibility of the spine and limbs.
8. Improves posture and thus, general attractiveness
9. Improves the functions of all our internal organs.
10. Helps calm your mind, giving you a good night’s sleep.

Thus, we see that regular practice of Surya Namaskar basically ensures that our body is performing at its optimum level. Children as young as 5 can start doing the Surya Namaskar. In fact, in recent times, people have started becoming more aware of the benefits of yoga, such that parents even ensure that babies include yoga as a part of their daily regimen.

Get to know more about the International Yoga Day, here https://mocomi.com/international-yoga-day/