Why Sun Salutations?
SUN SALUTATIONS or SURYA NAMASKAR is a complete Sadhana (spiritual practice) in itself for it includes asana (yoga poses), pranayama (breath), and meditative techniques.
The benefits of Sun Salutations exceed any other form of practice, due to the continuous flow of movement linked to the breath. This creates a practice beyond compare.
Other names for Sun Salutations:
Can also be referred to as Sun Salutes.
Traditionally referred to as Surya Namaskar or Surya Namaskara.
The Sanskrit word ‘Surya’ (the Sun) – literally translates into ‘Beautiful Light‘. The word ‘Nama‘ can be translated to ‘bow’ or ‘to adore’ and ‘kara‘ translates to ‘action’.
Practicing Sun Salutations is an amazing way to greet your morning! ☀️
In ancient times people would practice Surya Namaskar at sunrise. The practice would be done facing the sun in the East. For the Ancient Yogis; it became an important practice to loosen the limbs in the mornings, increase blood flow, and also as a preparation and warm-up for the other asana practices. The various postures in Surya Namaskar even helped in energizing each of the 7 Chakras (energy centers) in the human body.
What are Sun Salutations good for?
Practicing Sun Salutations increases the vital energy of prana in your body, which helps remove energy blockages. A series of Sun Salutations alone can be a great cardiovascular exercise benefiting your entire body. It increases your heart rate and regulates the entire circulatory system. The cardiovascular stimulation can fill your system up with fresh surges of oxygenated blood and eliminate toxins.
How many Sun Salutations should I do?
As a beginner, you could start with 2-4 rounds. As you advance, you should practice 12 rounds. Each Surya Namaskar B will count as 2 rounds (one round with the right leg and the second round with the left leg). You could even work your way to 108 Sun Salutations!
What does the number 108 signify?
The Benefits of Sun Salutations:
- Increases blood circulation
- Boost energy
- Unwind the mind – find your center
- Find gratitude
- Creates more strength, flexibility, and tone to the body
- Opens and releases tension in the hamstrings, shoulders, and the chest
- Offers great release of tension on the spine as well as helps lengthen the spine
- Lubricates the joints
- Ensures Heart Health
- Great for the Lungs
- Boosts Immunity
- Becomes meditative through the motions – a prayer in motion
- Aids in weight loss
- Improves digestion
- Calms the nervous system
- Improves kidney function
As you can see, the benefits of Sun Salutations range from spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits. This is why I LOVE practicing sun salutations to greet my day!