Surya Namaskar is a yoga practice. It has around 12 asanas that connect to each other. These asanas originated in the 9th century. The Hatha Yoga tradition enriched these asanas.
Surya Namaskar has several names and benefits. Many recognize it as Sun Salutation or Salute to the Sun. Most prefer to practice it early in the morning. The 21st century saw a growth in the practice of Surya Namaskar. Today, people across the globe practice it.
This is due to the sedentary lifestyle of man. Lack of exercise leads to health complications. Therefore, people looked for answers in Yoga. This made Surya Namaskar popular. Its versatility made it convenient for everyone.
Benefits of Surya Namaskar:
1. Improvements in Mental Health:
Surya Namaskar does not only improve physical health. It cleanses the mind and spirit as well. It helps set up a mind-to-body connection. One feels more in control of their body. In addition, people have better control over their emotions.
2. Joint Conditioning:
Surya Namaskar conditions the joints. One must handle their entire body weight on their joints. This strengthens the bones. Therefore, the body becomes more nimble and agile. It leaves many feeling young and healthy.
3. Aids in Weight loss:
Surya Namaskar is great for losing weight. It can help burn a lot of calories. It fires up the metabolism. This is because it works all major muscles in the body. As a result, one can lose a lot of weight.
A 30-minute session can burn up to 417 calories. This is higher than regular physical activities. Therefore, it can keep you active all day.
4. Helps regulate Menstrual Cycle:
Surya Namaskar can help in regulating the menstrual cycle. The poses help strengthen abdominal muscles. This aids in a less-painful menstrual cycle. Surya Namaskar eases the childbirth process as well.
5. Improved Control on Anxiety:
Surya Namaskar helps in controlling anxiety. It can calm the nervous system. This is possible through various asanas. This is why, it helps keep one calm.
6. Promotes Flexibility:
This one is a no-brainer. Surya Namaskar can improve flexibility. It stretches stiff muscles to do exercises. Stretching stiff muscles can ease pain. It stretches the lower back as well. This can relieve lower back pain.
This is beneficial to office workers. They experience stiff muscles. This is due to sedentary lifestyles. Surya Namaskar can help ease these issues.
7. A Spiritual Experience:
Surya Namaskar is a yoga practice. This is why, It comes with the benefits of yoga. It can offer a spiritual experience. This happens through chanting mantras. These mantras accompany Surya Namaskar practices.
The chants bring harmony to the mind and body. This leads to high levels of focus. This focus sends a person into a spiritual trance. The person feels calm and composed. They are happy and ready to face a new day.
8. Helps in Dealing with Gastric Problems:
Surya Namaskar keeps the digestive tract healthy. Poses like Marjarisana or Pavanmukhtasana can help with digestive problems. These poses boost metabolism. This helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Surya Namaskar poses can release trapped gases in the digestive tract. These gases can cause pain. This is why releasing these gases brings relief.
Poses like Paschimottanasama work the abdomen. This results in a healthier digestive tract.
9. Immunity-Booster:
Surya Namaskar helps improve immunity. It can cure fatigue, migraines, and feelings of dullness. Low immunity may cause these symptoms. Surya Namaskar helps condition the lungs.
Conditioned lungs increase breathing capacity. This helps in building resistance against various microbes.
This is most helpful because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to have a good immune system. Surya Namaskar will improve one’s immune system. It will ward off unwanted diseases and bacteria.
10. Prevents Hair Loss:
Surya Namaskar may help prevent hair loss. It improves blood flow to the scalp. This keeps the scalp healthy. A healthy scalp can grow healthy hair. This will reduce the chances of hair loss.
Who Should Practice Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar offers a large amount of benefits. One may assume it has some drawbacks. The answer is no. Surya Namaskar is perfect for everyone.
It does not have any drawbacks. As a result, everyone can practice Surya Namaskar. No matter the age and gender, everyone can reap the benefits!
Who Should Not Practice Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar is safe to do. Having said that, one must refrain from it under certain conditions. Avoid it if you have a hernia, high blood pressure or heart diseases.
One should consider any past injuries before practice as well. It is necessary to consult a doctor. All Surya Namaskar movements are safe. In other cases, they could be dangerous depending on health issues.
What Should You Wear While Practicing Surya Namaskar?
This practice revolves around versatility and convenience. As a result, one must wear comfortable workout clothes.
Some things you need to keep in mind:
The clothes should allow the skin to breathe. This is because the body can be under severe demand during exercise. The body requires a natural flow of oxygen whenever possible. Your clothes should be able to absorb sweat.
The clothes must allow for free movement. They should not restrict poses. Wear clothes according to the climate. This will ensure maximum comfort during Surya Namaskar.
In most cases, cotton clothes will benefit the wearer. Cotton absorbs sweat. It promotes the flow of natural energy. This will make sure one has a refreshing session.
Surya Namaskar offers a multitude of benefits. It can speed up weight loss and strengthen joints. One of the big benefits is its positive impact on anxiety. This is important since COVID-19 has affected mental health as well.
Staying at home can make people feel anxious. Surya Namaskar could act like a natural antidote for them. One can use it as a cure to various issues in life. The highlight is that its free and anyone can practice it!
