Surya Namaskar: How to do it, benefits and more
Also known as the Sun salutation pose, Surya Namaskar is a popular yogic exercise that incorporates 12 powerful yoga asanas. This yoga pose offers a full-body workout that boosts your flexibility and also improves your metabolism. It also promotes your intuitive abilities as it activates the Manipura Chakra which is placed behind the navel. Read on to know more about Surya Namaskar!
What is Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar is an ancient form of yoga that is basically performed to pay respects to the Sun. In Sanskrit, Surya means "Sun," and Namaskar means "greetings." It involves performing seven different asanas cyclically to create 12 powerful poses in total.
The origins of Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is an ancient yogic practice, but its origins are unclear. However, it was popularized by Bhawanrao Shriniwasrao Pant Pratinidhi, the ruler of Aundh, in the 1920s. He described it in his book named The Ten-Point Way to Health: Surya Namaskars published in 1928. Some people believe that he invented it, although he stressed that it had been a Marathi tradition for years.
What are the benefits of Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar helps to improve your body posture by strengthening your spine. It also improves your blood circulation, musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory functions in your body. Regular practice can boost your immunity, help in weight loss and improve digestion. Apart from this, it also helps to prevent anxiety and stress and calms your body and mind. It improves your concentration and sharpens your memory.
What are the steps of Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar is performed in a sequence incorporating seven different yoga poses that are repeated in a cyclic order forming 12 poses in total. The 12 different poses are Pranamasana, Hasta Uttanasana, Hasta Padasana, Ashwa Sanchalanasana, Chaturanga Dandasana, Ashtanga Namaskara, Bhujangasana, and Adho Mukha Svanasana. Then again repeat Ashwa Sanchalanasana, Hasta Padasana, Hasta Uttanasana, and Pranamasana to complete the 12 different asanas.
The best time to do Surya Namaskar
If you are thinking of doing Surya Namaskar at any time of the day, then stop! Surya Namaskar must be done early in the morning during sunrise. Perform this exercise while facing the rising sun as it activates your solar plexus. The sun's rays relax your mind and also revitalize your body. Start with as many repetitions as possible, and then gradually move up.
Keep these things in mind before doing Surya Namaskar
It is recommended to do Surya Namaskar early in the morning on an empty stomach. Avoid having heavy drinks or meals immediately before or after the exercise. Do some warm-up exercises before doing Surya Namaskars and synchronize it properly with your breathing pattern. We recommend you practice the exercise in a greener environment. Also, avoid doing Surya Namaskar during pregnancy or your menstrual cycle.
