How doing Surya Namaskar can Transform your Life?
21-06-2017 | Posted By: Shagun Parasher | 3808 View(s)
The Surya Namaskar is the act of paying respect to the sun. Our ancestors believed that there is no life without sun and therefore we should pay respect to it in every way possible. It is something which has a vast history. Surya Namaskar is a complete body workout. Ancient yogis believed that a human body is made of Panch Tatva and different forms of light govern its various parts. 12 sets of this exercise is equal to doing 288 yoga asanas in 12-15 minutes. It is a link between warm-up poses and the difficult yoga asanas.
General Benefits of Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar has many benefits on the human body. The most benefited organs by Surya Namaskar are stomach, liver, heart, intestines, chest, throat and legs. It tends to help the whole body from head to toe. It enhances the blood circulation throughout the body which ensures the proper functioning of the bowel, stomach and the nerve centres. It also helps in maintaining the Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This exercise alone helps in burning the most amount of calories than any other exercise.
As we discussed above, this exercise sequence has numerous benefits on the body. Keep reading to know more about them.
It improves the blood circulation in the body– Your lungs go through constant ventilation throughout the sequence as you keep on inhaling and exhaling. Your blood, therefore, remains oxygenated.
Weight Loss– This asana has the capability to replace your cardio routine when done at a faster pace. It helps in losing weight and toning up your abs and arms. It also provides flexibility to your body and helps in strengthening your whole skeletal system.
Menstrual irregularities– This routine is very beneficial for women with irregular menstrual cycles. It balances them out and can also ensure ease in childbirth.
Do it for a better Skin and Hair– Have you noticed how young celebrity women like Rekha and Shilpa Shetty look? One reason for their youthful skin and body is Yoga. This routine helps you to maintain a healthy and youthful skin and body. It delays the ageing signs like lines and wrinkles. It also prevents hair loss and grey hair.
Calming exercise– This routine improves memory and enhances your nervous system. It also stabilises the activity of various organs in our body. It also reduces stress and anxiety and keeps you calm throughout the day.
How to do the Surya Namaskar Asanas?
1. Pranamasana
Start this exercise by standing at the edge of your mat. Keep your hands and feet together. Keep in mind balancing your full body weight on both the feet. Relax, inhale and lift both of your arms up. Exhale and bring both of your palms together in front of your chest. Stand in a prayer position.
2. Hasta Uttanasana
Inhale. Lift your arms up and ensure that your inner biceps touch your ears. Stretch your whole body.
3. Pada Hastasana
Now exhale and bend from the waist. Ensure that your spine is erect. Inhale in the same position and keep your hands on the floor in front of the feet.
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana
For doing this pose, inhale and push your left leg backwards. Bend your right knee and keep your arms and hands next to your bent foot. Bend your neck backwards, chest forward and pulling the shoulders back.
5. Parvatasana
Exhale and keep your palms and heels on the ground. Now lift your hips and tailbone up. You must be facing downwards making a V shape.
6. Ashtanga Namaskara
Now gently bring down your knees on the floor, then the chest and eventually the forehead forming the Ashtanga position. Keep your hips and abdomen off the ground.
7. Bhujangasana
Inhale and come into the Cobra position. Straighten your arms, keeping the legs together and toes erect, knees and hips on the ground. Push your chest forward and pull the shoulders back while looking towards the ceiling.
8. Parvatasana
To do this asana, exhale and lift your tailbone and hips up. Your face and chest must face the floor to form a V
9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana
Inhale, look forward and push your right leg back. Bend your left knee and keep your arms and hands next to your foot.
10. Pada Hastasana
Exhale and bend forward right from the waist. Make your back erect. As you inhale, bring your hands down and in front of your feet.
11. Hasta Uttanasana
For doing this pose, inhale and lift your arms and back. Make sure your biceps are placed close to your ears. You must focus on stretching your whole body from head to toe.
12. Pranamasana
Stand in the prayer position with your hands and feet joined. Look straight and ensure your whole body weight is balanced equally on both the feet. Relax, inhale and lift both of your arms up. Exhale and bring both of your palms together in front of your chest.
Things you must keep in mind while doing Surya Namaskar:
• Pregnant women should not practice this exercise after the third month of pregnancy.
• Those suffering from backaches should refrain from practising this sequence.
• People who have high blood pressure issues and hernia should seek proper guidance from their physiotherapists for doing this exercise sequence.
• Women who are menstruating should also avoid practising Surya Namaskar.
This routine is a perfect and short workout for those days when you don’t have much time to perform all the complex yoga exercises. It improves your body and mind and brings out the perfect balance in your life which leads to harmony. All it takes is 12 Asanas of Surya Namaskar.
