Introduction
Worshipping the sun is an ancient spiritual practice. Surya Namaskar, a powerful yoga practice that has been known to provide incredible health benefits for thousands of years. It is a sequence of 12 yoga postures that are performed in a specific order, in sync with the breath.
This practice originated in ancient India as a way to pay homage to the Sun God. Surya, who is considered the source of all energy and life on earth, is worshipped through this yogic practice.
But Surya Namaskar is much more than just a devotional practice. It has a range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that can help you transform your body and mind. In this blog, we will get to know the amazing health benefits of Surya Namaskar, from improving flexibility and strength to reducing stress and anxiety. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you can delve into the incredible act of Surya Namaskar and discover how this ancient practice can help you achieve optimal health and well-being.
What is Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar is a powerful yogic practice that has an immense impact on one’s health if practiced regularly.
Also known as Sun Salutation, it involves a sequence of twelve asanas or postures. This practice is traditionally performed facing the rising or setting sun, as a way to honor and connect with the energy of the sun.
The twelve postures in the Surya Namaskar sequence are designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles, joints, and organs of the body. Each posture is synchronized with the breath, which helps to calm the mind and bring awareness to the present moment.
Surya Namaskar is a complete practice in itself, as it engages the entire body, improves flexibility and balance, and stimulates the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. It is also a great way to warm up before a longer yoga practice or as a standalone practice for busy days.
Spiritually, it is said to develop a deeper connection with the self and the universe, and to bring clarity and focus to the mind.
12 postures of Surya Namaskar
Here are the 12 postures of Surya Namaskar:
- Prayer pose – Pranamasana
- Raised arms pose – Hasta Uttanasana
- Hand to foot pose – Hasta Padasana
- Equestrian pose – Ashwa Sanchalanasana
- Mountain pose – Parvatasana
- 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
The 12 postures flow into one another, and each posture is coordinated with a specific breath. Sun salutation is often performed at the beginning of a yoga practice to warm up the body, stretch the muscles, and energize the mind and body.
Health benefits of Surya Namaskar
Here are some of the benefits of Surya Namaskar in terms of physical, mental, and spiritual contexts:
Physical Benefits:
- Improved flexibility: Sun salutation stretches and tones the muscles of the entire body, improving flexibility and range of motion.
- Increased strength: The various postures in Sun salutation engage the major muscle groups of the body, resulting in increased strength and stamina.
- Better cardiovascular health: The flowing movements of Sun salutation increase heart rate and improve blood circulation, which can lower the risk of heart disease.
- Enhanced respiratory function: The deep breathing that accompanies Surya Namaskar helps to improve lung capacity and oxygenation of the blood.
Mental Benefits:
- Improved concentration: The practice of Sun salutation can improve mental clarity and enhance the cognitive function of the brain.
- Increased self-awareness: By practising the Sun salutation, individuals can develop greater self-awareness and self-control, leading to better mental health.
Spiritual Benefits:
- Increased spiritual awareness: Sun salutation is a traditional yoga practice that has deep spiritual roots, and can help individuals to connect with their spiritual selves.
- Improved mindfulness: The practice of Sun salutation can help individuals to cultivate mindfulness, which is a key component of many human aspects like work-life balance, focus, aspirations and
Best time to practice Surya Namaskar
Surya namaskar is the core of mindfulness and yogic practice. Being mindful about the technique and timing of it is a crucial thing that one must keep in mind.
Ancient studies and yoga experts say that it should be done early in the morning in front of the rising sun.
Yoga postures involved in sun salutation can do wonders for you if you focus on the breathing and basics of it which is practicing it with an empty stomach.
If you are trapped in the hectic routine and mornings are busy for you, in that case you can perform it in the evenings when the sun is setting..
Final thoughts
Yoga is the right path to achieve strength and mindfulness. Practicing Surya Namaskar regularly can help you develop the balance between mind, body and soul. You will notice immense positive changes in your body and thoughts.
Health studies have concluded how beneficial Surya Namaskar is for boosting your overall health. Hence, performing rounds of Surya Namaskar before starting your regular routine should be an integral part of your life for good health.
