Surya Namaskar benefits go beyond physical fitness and flexibility. We all know that the sun is the ultimate source of energy. We wake up with the sun and go to sleep with the sun. Our body is designed according to the sun’s routine; not only humans but also animals and plants — all are dependent on the sun for their energy. Even the sea, rivers — these all are stable because of the sun and the moon.
Considering the importance of the sun in our lives, our ancestors have given the sun the status of God, and we worship it. In different regions, the sun is known by different names and is worshiped. In the same way, the sun has been given great importance in yoga.
In yoga, a complete set of asanas, mantras, and pranayam is performed, which is done to show gratitude to the sun. It is not just a way to show respect to the sun, but it is also very beneficial for our body and mind.
It is a set of 12 exercises in a proper sequence, which has 1 mantra for each exercise. These 12 mantras and postures are compared with the 12 months of the year, which is taken by the Earth to complete one revolution.
Surya Namaskar or sun salutation has both physical and spiritual significance. It cleans our body, gives it energy, and balances our breath, hence our mind.
My Personal Experience With Surya Namaskar
In this blog, I am going to share my personal experience because I have been doing Surya-namaskar for the last five years, and it has been proven to be helpful.
One of the biggest Surya Namaskar benefits is improved focus.. Just 10 minutes of Surya-namaskar in the morning is enough to keep you energized for the rest of the day.
The dynamic movements in each step of Surya-namaskar make the body contract and expand its muscles alternatively and tone up the joints.
Regular practice of Surya-namaskar ensures proper and efficient functioning of not only the muscles and joints of the body but also stimulates the internal organs — especially the stomach and other abdominal organs — as it involves alternative stretching and compression at the abdominal area.
Surya-namaskar also improves peristalsis of the intestines, stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, massages and tones up kidneys so that wastes are efficiently eliminated from the body, and helps the body to eliminate toxins through increased perspiration.
It helps to relieve any kind of mental disturbance. Imbalance in mental health is often associated with or leads to imbalance in hormones and thus it manifests as a disease or syndrome, e.g., diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and so on. According to Yoga Journal, Surya Namaskar is one of the most effective full-body yoga sequences for flexibility and energy.
Endocrine glands are toned and massaged by regular practice of this excellent group of asanas.
As a general fact, while performing asanas, whichever part of the body is involved, the organ/gland in that particular area is induced to function better. Likewise, during Surya-namaskar performance, it is a well-known fact that the concerned endocrine glands are stimulated. Practices like Mindfulness Journey: Build Spiritual Awareness Without Religion can further improve inner peace and awareness.
Daily Practice of Surya Namaskar
It is very important to practice Surya Namaskar on a daily basis. For this, we just need to find a calm, peaceful place and in the morning, after waking up and getting fresh, start the Surya-namaskar.
It should be done according to a person’s capabilities.
It is advisable for children who are generally active and have good flexibility to perform Surya-namaskar at a fast or slow pace, depending on their energy levels, needs, and body conditions.
Teenagers who have an active metabolism and are healthy are recommended to perform 12 to 24 rounds of Surya-namaskar followed by yoga nidra, pranayama, and meditation.
Middle-aged people, who are often down with lifestyle disorders these days, are recommended 6–12 rounds of Suryanamaskar followed by yog nidra, pranayama, and meditation.
Why Anyone Can Practice Surya Namaskar
This is a quick exercise that will help you in every way. It is not only about physical health but also mental health, because it increases your focus and keeps you up for the whole day.
You can finish it within 10 to 20 minutes in the morning and keep yourself energised for the entire day.
So what is stopping you? Please start today.
This is the guide for proper asanas with a mantra and breath technique.