The source of all forms of life on the Earth is the Sun, and Surya Namaskar means to bow down (pay respect or show gratitude) to the Sun in the morning.
Surya Namaskar constitutes 12 different postures, and each posture is accompanied by a mantra or chant. These mantras represent the 12 zodiac signs and supplies energy to the body. Sun Salutation uses every part of the body and keeps you fit and energetic throughout the day. It’s a complete body workout and can also prove to be a good warm-up exercise before getting into intense yoga poses or exercises. If practiced regularly it increases intuitive abilities, creativity, decision-making, and confidence.
Practicing Surya Namaskar regularly has a whole lot of physical and mental benefits. Read on to know more.
1. Promotes Weight Loss:
When Surya Namaskar is done at a fast pace, it becomes a good cardio exercise. The asanas help in stretching your abdominal muscles causing you to shed extra pounds around the belly. It also helps in boosting your metabolism.
2. Improves Blood Circulation:
Throughout Surya Namaskar, you actively inhale and exhale which keeps the blood oxygenated and lungs ventilated. The flow of fresh blood helps to detox the toxins from the body.
3. Ensures Regular Menstrual Cycle:
Regular practice of Surya Namaskar will regulate your periods in a proper cycle. It also ensures ease during childbirth.
4. Fights Insomnia:
Surya Namaskar releases tension, stress, calms the mind, and induces sleep. This means no more sleepless nights and you don’t have to depend on sleeping pills to fall asleep.
5. Improves Quality of Skin and Hair:
Regular practice of Sun Salutation keeps you healthy and youthful. It improves blood circulation, and therefore, giving a healthy glow to your skin. It keeps wrinkles and signs of aging at bay. Surya Namaskar also prevents hair loss and greying of hair and enables healthy hair growth.
6. Improves Digestive System:
Surya Namaskar helps in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. It increases blood circulation to your digestive tract and ensures better functioning of the intestines.
7. Battles Anxiety:
Sun Salutation poses improves memory and enhances the functioning of the nervous system. It helps to stabilize the activity of the endocrine and thyroid glands and thus, reduces stress and anxiety.
8. Tones Muscles and Improves Flexibility:
If you practice Surya Namaskar on a regular basis, it will help tone many parts of your body like arms, abs, thighs, etc, it also improves body posture and increases flexibility in the body.
9. Keeps Blood Pressure and Heart Diseases at Bay:
Regular practice of Sun Salutation helps to keep your blood sugar levels in check and it is an excellent natural remedy for blood pressure fluctuations. This yoga technique strengthens the heart muscles and is a great way to treat irregular heartbeats. Thus, it lowers the risk of a heart attack.
10. Improves Self-awareness and Energy Levels:
Deep breathing techniques are an important aspect of Surya Namaskar. This gives deep relaxation to the mind and body as well as sharpens the senses. A combination of a calm mind with a healthy body makes you self-aware and raises your energy levels.
Did you know all it takes is just 12 asanas to connect mind, body, and soul? Thus, Surya Namaskar is a perfect workout. So practice it regularly and experience its manifold benefits.
