The Multiple Benefits of ‘Surya Namaskar’
The sun is revered the world over as a symbol of energy and vibrant life. One of the most popular routines in the advanced yoga teacher training, the ‘Surya Namaskar’ has showing gratitude to the sun as its essence. It also connects us to the solar powers within, activating piungala nadii. The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is a graceful sequence of twelve yoga asanas (postures) performed as one continuous routine. This sequence of postures is designed to bring your body, mind and breath together to work in harmony.
Commonly performed in the early morning, it works to revitalize your body and refresh your mind, leaving one feeling energetic throughout the day. The routine also helps one unwind when performed in the evening. The postures in the sequence stress on controlled breathing, exercising the spine, along-with invigorating and calming poses, thus offering many health benefits.
Here are a few tangible benefits of regularly practicing the routine.
Strengthens Muscles and Joints
Surya Namaskar is a good way to stretch, tone and strengthen your muscles, ligaments, joints, and the skeletal system. The movements help improve the flexibility of your spine. Performing the postures in sequence on a regular basis makes your limbs become symmetrical and improves the functioning of your internal vital organs.
Skin & Complexion
Regular practice of the Surya Namaskar improves one’s blood circulation that brings a glow to your face; improves the elasticity of the skin, thus preventing the onset of wrinkles and makes your skin look radiant.
Improves the functioning of the digestive system
The sun salutation routine enhances the smooth functioning of your digestive system. Performing these yoga poses help increase the blood flow to your intestines resulting in better functioning of the digestive tract. The postures that have you bending forward help increase the abdominal space aiding in releasing the gases trapped in your system.
Weight Loss
If done at a faster pace, Surya Namaskar is an excellent cardiovascular workout that helps in losing weight. The postures work to stretch your abdominal muscles and is effective in shedding pounds around your waist. When performed at a faster rate, the movements help to increase metabolism..
Dealing with Insomnia
Sleeping patterns can be improved through the practice of Surya Namaskar. The asanas help ease tensions, relax the body and calm your mind, resulting in a good night’s sleep. With practice, you need not resort to any substances to attain a restful sleep for the night.
The Menstrual Cycle
Surya Namaskar can be hugely beneficial for women who suffer from irregular menstrual cycles. Regular practice of the movements can help in regulating the cycle, provide relief from cramps during periods and also aid in natural childbirth.
Reducing Anxiety
Yoga routines in general help improve one’s memory and the functioning of the nervous system. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps you calm down and free yourself of worries and anxiety. It normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid.
Aiding Detoxification
Due to the rhythmic and active breathing process, the lungs are thoroughly ventilated and the blood gets highly oxygenated. This aids the detoxification of the body while also improving the flow of lymph which carries toxins to the organs of excretion.
A boon for any health-conscious person, Surya Namaskar is an intensive exercise that works on every major muscle group of the body. Regular practice of yoga helps develop the body and mind, while maintaining good health.
