APRIL 27, 2019
Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is a complete workout sequence comprising of 12 yoga postures. It is a harmonising practice between the mind and the body and is essentially practiced to offer prayers to the Sun. It also works as a great cardiovascular workout. It is practiced without the usage of any prop; when practiced by utilising the whole body it amplifies the benefits both physically and mentally. Each step of Surya Namaskar has a unique benefit and is a complete asana on its own; when these postures are practiced in a particular sequence it energizes and rejuvenates the body internally and externally. Even actress Kareena Kapoor is addicted to the workout as she knows how beneficial it is and keeps her mentally and physically fit.
Following are the asanas that make one complete set of Surya Namaskar:
- Pranam mudra
- Hasta Ustrasana
- Pada Hastasana
- Ashwa Sanchalana
- Dandasana
- Astanga Namaskar
- Bhujangasana
- Adho Mukha Swanasana
- Ashwa Sanchalana
- Pada Hastasana
- Hasto Uttasana
- Pranam mudra
suryanamaskar body stretch – Jagran Prakashan Ltd.
The asana starts and ends with joining your hands in a Namaste which connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Due to the stretching and compression of the abdominal muscles, this asana promotes the digestion process and helps improve gut health. It also enables the body to tone the core and work on losing excessive fat around that area.
This asana is also highly beneficial to heal joint problems and pains.
It improves the flexibility of the practitioner, helps become flexible and strong, it works beautifully to heal arthritis, sciatica and other such illnesses. The nervous system and the spinal cords are stimulated by the practice of Surya Namaskar which makes it beneficial not only for physical health but also mental fitness.
Joints – Jagran Prakashan Ltd.
- Surya Namaskar works as a perfect detox and cleanses the body from within.
- It enhances the blood circulation process by improving the flow of fresh blood in the body, this is beneficial in achieving hormonal balance and lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
- Surya Namaskar is known to reduce the risk of stroke. In today’s lifestyle wherein thyroid, PCOD, PCOS, obesity, etc have increased their hold over the human body, the benefits of Surya Namaskar help in combating these illnesses.
PCOD – Jagran Prakashan Ltd.
- It is often known that the early signs of ageing appear on the skin, however, with Surya Namaskar the health of the skin is sure to stay top notch.
- Improved blood circulation adds to the skin’s health, giving it a beautiful glow.
- Surya Namaskar helps you get rid of body toxins which helps to detoxify the skin enhancing its health and glow. A relaxed mind, good digestion process and improved blood flow is the formula to radiant skin.As the body gets its dose of exercise it invokes positivity and revitalises the mind and soul as well. Surya Namaskar activates the heart chakra enabling the practitioner to become open to awareness.
- Focused breathing helps the mind to relax and bring in emotional stability and reduce mood swings.
- It helps improve energy levels, as a relaxed mind is a healthy mind.
Specific poses have a calming effect which alleviate the mind from anxiety and stress levels. It helps strengthen the nervous system by helping the practitioner build concentration, prevent memory loss and activate the brain cells, thus improving the functioning of the brain.
Surya Namaskar literally means to bow to the sun, it captures the essence that says “the light in me honours and respects the light in you.” This thought process invokes a feeling of gratitude which is extremely vital in the quest for happiness in our lives.
The ideal time to practice Surya Namaskar is in the mornings before sunrise around 6 a.m. However, it can be performed at any time of the day, but one should have an empty stomach before starting the practice. One set burns approximately 13.90 calories. However, you may want to start slow as you begin the practice.
Take your time to become familiar with the steps and let your body build acceptance of the asana. It is important to maintain awareness during each step and having a good breathing pattern. It is advised to consult a certified yoga instructor before beginning the routine.
Courtesy/Source: Her Zindagi – Author: Kishori Sud
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are the author’s own. Neither can we independently verify any claims made in the article. You should consult your physician before starting any weight loss or health management programme to determine if it is right for your needs.
