Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
“Surya” means “Sun” and “Namaskar” means “to bow down.” So why is this traditional sequence of postures called Surya Namaskar practiced? The logical conclusion is that the sun is the life or energy source for this planet and is an element in everything we eat, drink or breathe. The earth and the moon are significant in the way they affect life, but the sun is the source of all energy and when one is in tune with the cycles of the sun, physical health, well-being, vitality, and energy, are all yours..
There is no possibility of life in the absence of the Sun’s rays. All life forms will cease to exist if the sun decides to disappear. Solar energy is fundamental even within your body. Your body is maintaining a certain temperature and all that generates heat upon this planet – whether in the form of life or in the form of inanimate material – all of it is solar energy, finding its expression in so many different ways.
Benefits of Sun Namaskar -
1. Strengthens the entire digestive system (including stomach, pancreas, intestines, liver, etc.) and cures, and prevents constipation.
2. The positions include Pranamasana, Hasta Uttanasana, Paadhastasana, Ashwa Sanchalana, Santolansana, Ashtanga Pranamasana, Bhujangasana, Balasana, Parvatasana, Ashwa Sanchalana, Paadhastasana, Hasta Uttanasana, Pranamasana.
3. Invigorates the heart and will cure and prevent blood pressure, palpitation..
4. Develops the lungs, gives you wind and prevents tuberculosis.
5. Improves the quality and circulation of the blood. Active circulation of the blood is the first law of health.
6. Stimulates glandular activity; gives a new vivacity to the glands. Owing to the stretching and compressing movements of the throat and neck the thyroid gland is stimulated and any tendency to goiter is obviated.
7. Improves the color and function of the spleen by enabling it to eradicate toxic impurities through profuse perspiration and to absorb vital energy from the atmosphere.
8. Strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, back, stomach, waist, abdomen, intestines, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. Strengthening the back is known to be a simple but efficient remedy for kidney troubles.
9. Improves and develops the chest, i. e. keeps it hard, firm and elastic; restores it to normal loveliness..
10. Improves the uterus (womb) and ovaries removes menstrual disorders such all dysmenorrheal and consequent pain and misery.
11. Child-bearing is less painful and more easy. All discomforts from menopause vanish.
12. Will rid women of morning sickness and perverted taste and appetite, peculiar to pregnant women and regarded as inevitable.
14. Proven to halt falling off hair, and its tendency to grayness and prevents baldness by increasing nutrition to the hair and scalp, and the bonding of the neck backward and forward, insures good circulation to the bead.
15. Eradicates sexual debility, and the special weakness of men and women.
16. Reduces redundant fat, especially the fat about the abdomen, hips, thighs, neck and chin.
17. Reduces the abnormal prominence of the Adam’s apple by the forward and backward bending of the nook.
18. Destroys the offensive odor of perspiration.
19. Will keep you away from sins, for it is the proud act of wellness and disease
20. Improves knock-knees in walking.
21. Prevents and corrects neurasthenia due to rhythmical breathing.