The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

surya-namaskara-sun-salutation

The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

If you are someone who has that one bit of idea regarding yoga, you will probably know what Surya Namaskar is all about. It is for those lazy mornings, when you need that jolt of energy. Moreover, you can also do Surya Namaskar as a warm up exercise. This is not just one asana or pose in yoga, but an entire series. If you dig a bit, you will go back almost 2,500 years, to a time when most ancient people prayed to the Sun God. Yes, and that is where this practice has emerged from. 

So, let us explore further into the practice, which has gained so much momentum lately. 

Surya Namaskar – The Sequences Decoded 

You will be engaging your body in all kinds of stretches and bends, forward folds and rhythmic movements in this rhythmic sequence. And it is also very important to mention beforehand, that at the start of every inhalation, a new transition from one pose to another happens. You breathe, move and relax through this. It is of cyclical nature, just like the sun’s movement from sunrise to sunset. 

Join the moving meditation for a better grasp over your existence. While many Hatha Yoga teachers will take you through the Surya Namaskar directly before other asanas, most Vinyasa teachers will make the students do some warm up stretches, before proceeding with Surya Namaskar? 

  • . Pranamasana – Stand with your feet together and hands by your side. Slowly, inhale and bring the arms to the centre of the chest, with the palms joined. Exhale and hold still. 
  • Hasta Uttanasana – This comes next. Inhale and life the arms backward, and keep the biceps close to your ears. The main aim is to stretch the body from head to toe. 
  • Pada Hastasana – Slowly, you have to exhale and bend the body downward, from the waist. Ensure not to round the spine. Bring the hands down towards the floor and touch the feet or floor. 
  • Ashwa Sanchalanasana – With an inhalation, stretch the right leg backwards, soles facing upwards, and keep the left leg bent at the knee, touching the chest. The knees must face upwards. Touch the floor with your hands. 
  • Parvatasana – You have to lift the buttocks up, and support your body on the hands and feet. Both stretched, with the head hanging low. Your body will look like the letter V. 
  • Ashtanga Namaskar – Your knees, chest, chin and feet touch the floor, while you support the body parallel to the ground with your hands. Eight parts touch the floor. Exhale. 
  • Bhujangasana – This is the cobra pose, where you inhale and stretch both legs backward and fold the hands with elbows touching the torso, and you have to look in front, chest protruding. 
  • Repeat from Parvatasana to Pranamasana. For asanas which stress on left and right appendage usage, change sides. 

This is the exact sequence that you need to follow. You must learn this at first and then do it under trained yoga teachers of yoga. Then only you can gain all the benefits of the pose. 

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Tips For Beginners Doing Sun Salutation

  • If you have just started out, you must make sure to take it slow. Do not rush through the poses. Take your time in each pose. 
  • You must listen to the body, as you go about doing the asana. Do not do it, if you feel uncomfortable. 
  • Practicing regularly will make you perfect. 
  • Drink a lot of water, so that your joints stay supple. 
  • Doing 5-6 rounds is ideal on any given day. This is for those who have been practicing it for a while. 

How Does Surya Namaskar Transform The Body?

You will surely feel its effects on your physical body. The practice helps you to lose weight and also tones the body. It also makes your digestive system better. If you have an irregular menstrual cycle, you must practice this asana on a regular basis. Those suffering from frozen shoulders must do it regularly as well. It also improves the functioning of your nervous system. 

And that is just the beginning of the benefits. They can go on and on. All your internal organs get a massage in this practice. Your hip joints are also working out here. It also stimulates the Manipura chakra. You will feel more energized, after you have practiced Surya Namaskar. 

Final Thoughts

You can engage yourself in this practice, if you are just starting out. You will be able to learn it under trained experts at Ora Healings. Yoga is an experiential subject that can take you from basic to great. However, you must ensure to learn it properly under the best. Join Ora Healings today to get the most out of your Surya Namaskar practice. 

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