With the advent of different forms of yoga, different Sun Salutations have also been born that resonate with the essence of each particular type of yoga. For example, Hatha Yoga, the oldest form of practice, has a simple Sun Salutation, while Ashtanga Yoga adds a few more advanced steps, keeping the tradition and making it slightly more challenging. These are just two examples. Emerging from a long history, Sun Salutations or Surya Namaskars (Sanskrit word) involve the whole body from head to toe and work on almost all parts of the body. Sun Salutations are about worshipping the sun and activating the solar energy in the body. Consisting of 12 yoga poses (Hatha Yoga) requiring the practitioner to move from one pose to another in a rhythmic fashion in order to reap the benefits. Although this series can be practiced at any time of the day, the benefits of Sun Salutations increase when practiced in the morning in front of the sun. Mentioned below are some strong benefits of Sun Salutations: Weight loss This sequence of poses is designed with great precision by the sages to allow the practitioner to reap maximum benefit. With the dynamic movement, one of the outright benefits of Sun Salutations is weight loss. This is one reason for it becoming popular among the masses. Irrespective of age or gender, people indulge in this practice because of the heating factor, which ultimately leads to melting fat. Strength and Stability Bending, lunging, and stretching poses, elongate the spine and alleviate the detriments from sitting long hours at work. This helps in strengthening the body, relieving in stress, improving flexibility and ultimately benefits the skeletal system by providing it with much needed robustness. Surya Namaskar benefits the body in more than one way as it corrects overall postures also. A Beautiful Exterior The heat generating tendency paves way for glowing skin and women have accepted this benefit of Sun Salutation with open arms. Toxins of body are refluxed out and the skin becomes clear by banishing pimples and boils. All the clogged pores open up with sweat and one can even achieve fairer complexion. Peaceful Sleep Many of us are taking drugs for sleeping to overcome the difficulties of everyday life. Yet another benefit of Sun Salutation is saying no to drugs. Teachers practice 20 to 108 Surya namaskars in a go, which tires the body and exhausts us to keep the unwanted thoughts and worries away. This results in restful sleep, which allows us to wake up fresh in the morning. Menstrual Cycle Ease Surya Namsakars benefits those battling with problems related to the uterus or ovaries. It simulates glands and leads to restoration, which ultimately works perfectly in the long run. Tones the Nervous system From stretching to elongation, the practice of Surya Namaskars benefits the nervous system as well. It helps to gently massage the nerves and increases the flow of blood in the body. This undoubtedly helps in proper functioning and movement of the body. With all these exercises possible, the Surya Namaskar benefits are innumerable. While some of them might be outrightly oblivious to our eyes, there are so many internal changes that are taking place without our awareness, which help the body to stay healthy and whole. Start practicing Sun Salutations immediately to reap the aforementioned positive outcomes and much more, which are unique to everybody.
By Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveler in India. He provides yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas. His strong connection with Yoga and the Himalayas has made him organize yoga, meditation and Ayurveda tours, and retreats in the Himalayas. To connect with him visit here.
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Anytime Sun Salutations with Jackie Casal Mahrou