Benefits of Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar..!

Benefits of Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar

Sun salutation also known as Surya Namaskar is one of the important exercises or Yogasanas of the Indian Yogic System. Sun salutation is practiced at the time of sunrise facing the rising sun. It is known to activate the endocrine system and the chakras (the vertexes through which the vital life energy or prana is channeled) thereby helping the body in gaining strength and flexibility.

There are a total twelve postures/poses of Surya Namaskar each having its own benefits that have been explained herein below-

• Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)

Pranamasana is the first posture in the yoga sequence of Sun Salutation and being a standing pose, it boosts the ability of your legs to sustain more pressure. This posture helps in strengthening the muscles and bones of your legs and augments the joints, knees, ankles and hips.

• Hasta Uttasana (Raised Arms Pose)

Hasta Uttasana is the second pose and then followed in the 11th pose in the Sun Salutation posture. This pose improves digestion, strengthens the spine, and tones the muscles of the abdomen. It also expands the chest and the rib cage resulting in full utilization of lung capacity.

• Hasta Padasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)

Hasta Padasana also is known as standing forward bend pose helps in strengthening the muscles of your back, good for the nervous system and helps in weight loss to get a slim waist.

• Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian/ High Lung Pose)

Ashwa Sanchalanasana is practiced at the fourth and ninth positions in the Suryanamaskara series. This posture stimulates the abdominal organs and increases the flexibility of the back. It also helps in strengthening the knees and ankles, muscles of the chest. It tones up the kidney, liver leading to their well functioning.

• Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff Pose)

Chaturanga Dandasana is a push up like pose and helps in developing core stability, strengthens arms and wrists, strengthens the muscles of the body, helps individuals in establishing a mind muscle connection.

• Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight Limbed Salutation)

Astanga Namaskara is the sixth posture in the Surya Namaskara series that helps in cleansing your body from outside to inside, improves flexibility and posture; it stretches and strengthens your triceps and biceps.

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Bhujangasana is a back-bending pose and visually it reflects the posture of a cobra that has its hood raised that why also known as Cobra Pose. The benefits of this pose are that it strengthens the spine, tones the buttock, helps to relieve stress and fatigue, strengthens the core muscles of the abdomen and helps develop compassion and connection towards other people.

• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

Adho Mukha Svanasana or the downward-facing dog pose is the eighth pose of Surya Namaskar. The benefits of this pose are that it tones up several muscles of your body, strengthens your bones (helps in managing or preventing osteoporosis), improves blood flow to the brain, strengthens your arms, stretches your back and improves your overall body posture.

• Ashwa Sanchalanasana (High Lunge Pose)

This pose is repeated again as the ninth pose of Surya Namaskar series with the same benefits as mentioned above as the fourth position.
• Hasta Padasana (Standing Forward Bend)

Hasta Padasana is the 10th pose of Sun Salutation that invigorates the nervous system by increasing the blood supply. It helps in toning up the abdominal organs, makes the spine supple and stretches all the muscles of the back and the body.

• Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)

This pose is repeated again as the 11th pose of Surya Namaskar with the same benefits as mentioned above as in the second pose.

• Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)

This pose is repeated again as the 12th pose of Sun Salutation with the same benefits as mentioned above in the first pose.

Overall, the benefits of Surya Namaskar are that it helps your body become toned and flexible, helps you weight loss, enhances natural skin glow, natural remedy for blood pressure and heart related problems, detoxifies your body and enhances your creative and mental capabilities.