Surya Namaskar-Incredible Benefits Of Surya Namaskar

For yoga practitioners, surya namaskar is a well-known part of their practice, but it can have benefits for other people who practice it too!

What is Surya Namaskar?
Surya namaskar is commonly known as a sun salutation and is a warm-up routine before a session of yogic practice. The reference to the sun in these salutations comes from one of the philosophies of yoga, in which the sun is the source of all power and is closely connected to our individual souls. This particular yoga warm-up is designed to pay respect and homage to the sun, the giver of life. There is no precise definition of what this series of asanas (controlled movements and positions in yogi practice) look like, although there are some varieties. Most yogis design their own series of positions and asanas as a personalized surya namaskar.

How to Do Surya Namaskar?
A surya namaskar is intended to open up the solar plexus, the part of the body traditionally linked to the sun. Most yogis will perform one of these salutations each day, although some will open every session of their yoga practice with a sun salutation, even if it is in the evening. As mentioned, some have their own surya namaskar, but a common series of poses is as follows;

Prayer Pose
Raised Arms Pose
Hand to Foot Pose
Equestrian Pose
Stick Pose
Saluting with 8 Points
Cobra Pose
Mountain Pose
Equestrian Pose
Hand to Foot Pose
Raised Arms Pose
Relax Position

Does it have any base in science?
Yes, it does. In fact, it is essential to understand the science behind this ancient technique. This will help you approach this powerful yoga practice with the right outlook. Ancient Indian sages have said different energies govern different parts of the body. For instance, the solar plexus that is located behind the navel is connected to the Sun. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar enhances the size of the solar plexus. This, in turn, increases your creativity, intuitive abilities, decision-making, confidence and leadership skills. This is why the practice of Surya Namaskar is highly recommended.

When can I do these asanas?
You can do Surya Namaskar at any time of the day. However, it is best to do it at sunrise. This is when the sun rays help revitalize the body and refresh the mind. There are benefits of doing Surya Namaskar at other times of the day too. If you practice it in the afternoon, it energizes your body instantly whereas when done at dusk, it helps you unwind.

Surya Namaskar Benefits

Surya namaskar or sun salutation is a gesture of showing gratitude to the sun. It is a set of 12 yoga asanas which bring your body, breath and mind together. When performed in the morning, it revitalises your body and refreshes your mind, leaves you feeling energetic throughout the course of the day. The postures can help you unwind when you perform them in the evening. Well-known yoga expert Sunaina Rekhi says, ‘the cyclic movements of surya namaskar with its controlled breathing, back bends, forward bends, invigorating and calming postures, offers many health benefits.’

Helps lose weight
Sunaina says, ‘when done at a fast pace, Surya Namaskar can give you an excellent cardiovascular workout helping you to lose weight.’ The postures will help stretch your abdominal muscles while helping you shed pounds around your belly. The movements will also help in improving your metabolism. You may also want to know if you can practise surya namaskar with a back pain. Here are some more asanas for weight loss
.Helps strengthen muscles and joints
Surya Namaskar offers you a good way to stretch and strengthen your muscles, joints, ligament, as well as the skeletal system. The movements can also help improve the flexibility of your spine. When you perform the postures, your limbs become symmetrical helping your internal vital organs to function better.
Helps strengthen muscles and joints
Surya Namaskar offers you a good way to stretch and strengthen your muscles, joints, ligament, as well as the skeletal system. The movements can also help improve the flexibility of your spine. When you perform the postures, your limbs become symmetrical helping your internal vital organs to function better.
Gives glowing skin
Surya namaskar improves your blood circulation that aids in bringing back the glow on your face; preventing the onset of wrinkles, making your skin look ageless and radiant.
Ensures a better functioning digestive system
The sun salutation will help in the smooth running of your digestive system. These yoga poses will help increase the blood flow to your digestive tract resulting in better functioning of the intestines. The forward bend pose will help increase your abdomen space which will aid in releasing the trapped gases from your system. Here are more poses that can help improve your digestion.
Helps cope with insomnia
You can improve your sleeping patterns by the practise of surya namaskar. The asanas will help calm your mind, giving you a good night’s sleep. This will ensure that you do not resort to drugs to give you a restful sleep. Here are some more hidden health benefits of surya namaskar.
Ensures a better functioning digestive system
The sun salutation will help in the smooth running of your digestive system. These yoga poses will help increase the blood flow to your digestive tract resulting in better functioning of the intestines. The forward bend pose will help increase your abdomen space which will aid in releasing the trapped gases from your system.
Ensures regular menstrual cycle
Surya Namaskar can also be beneficial for women who are suffering from irregular menstrual cycles as it helps regulate it. Regular practice of the movements can also help in easy childbirth.
Brings down blood sugar levels
According to our expert, the movements of the sun salutation also aid in bringing down your blood sugar levels and help keep heart diseases at bay.
Keeps anxiety at bay
It helps improve your memory and nervous system and also helps calm you down and get rid of anxiety. It normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid gland.
Helps detox
Due to the active inhalation and exhalation process, the lungs are thoroughly ventilated and the blood remains oxygenated. This also helps in detoxifying one’s body by getting rid of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.