What is Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) ?
The cycle of 12 dynamic exercises that are done together one after the other make a well-known exercise called ” Sun Salutation”.
The concept these sequence of yoga poses are combined in one cycle, it is enough to perform independently, if you want better flexibility for the body and spine, also if you want relax joints and muscles, massage all internal organs and activate all systems in the body, while it can also serve like warm-up exercise, and for other form of sports recreation.
It is believed that one who does ” Sun Salutation” show gratitude to both the inner and outer sun – the central creative force of the universe, which according to yoga is also manifested in the human body. In many cultures of the world, the sun is a symbol of awareness, spirituality and vitality.
In India, the sun (Surya) is considered a symbol of health, prosperity and vitality.
Sun Salutation ”is an easy-to-perform yoga poses that doesn’t take much time. This system of yoga poses is actually designed to unite the philosophy of yoga and pranayama (because it harmonizes breath and movement), it can also be performed with the repetition of mantras (repetition of certain sounds) or with meditation associated with the chakras. There are many variations of these exercises and each involves different of sequence yoga poses.
The Meaning of Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)
The meaning of Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)
For thousands of years, In India revered the sun, which they called Surya and considered the physical and spiritual heart of the world and the creator of all life.
” Sun Salutation ” begins and ends with the palms of both hands folded front of the chest (heart), facing each other, representing the Sun Salutation – which means, let the divine energy in me welcomes and worship the divine energy in you. This is not accidental – because only the heart knows the Truth. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is usually part of the morning ritual, prayer and worship. And the best time to perform this exercise is during sunrise or sunset.
The “Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)” consists of 12 related yoga poses, each corresponding to one of the 12 signs of the zodiac. One cycle of the Sun Salutation consists of two series of the mentioned 12 yoga poses, which are performed in coordination with the breathing.
Sun salutation health benefits
” Sun Salutation ” is a powerful tool in the treatment of various problems. First of all, if you feel tired at any time of the day, this exercise will restore your lost vitality, both physical and mental.
It is believed that this yoga poses helps to remove all tensions in the body and mind, improves circulation and increases temperature, which leads to purification of the body and lubrication of all joints. The spine becomes elastic and all the muscles are strengthened and toned. It improves breathing and calms the mind. If practiced slowly it has a calming effect, and if performed quickly it gives strength and vitality.
Sun salutation health benefits- treats acne, anemia, poor appetite, fatigue, obesity, varicose veins, rheumatic diseases, headaches, asthma and other lung diseases, digestive diseases, indigestion, constipation, kidney disease, decreased work liver, low blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes… mental diseases such as anxiety, depression, neurosis, psychosis, improves memory, helps eliminate toxins from the body, improves sleep, normalizes the work of endocrine glands, especially the thyroid gland… In addition, it is used for general development of the body and stimulation of normal growth and development.
” Sun Salutation ” is done at dawn, facing the rising sun. Surya Namaskar has 12 yoga poses, which are performed in a continuous sequence. Each yoga pose is a natural continuation of the previous one, stretching the body in different ways, with rhythmically conscious breathing.
What they have in common is that it starts from a standing yoga pose, after which one goes into a forward bend and into the “Down facing dog” yoga pose, and then descends to the floor in the “cobra” asana and back, to a standing yoga pose. This whole sequence is done by starting with the left foot, then repeating the same sequence with the right foot and then you have made one round of “Sun Salutation”. When one cycle ends, another begins, making a perfect circle. Every movement has its own breath – it inhales when the body rises or opens, and exhales when the body is lowered or closed.
More for beginner:
10 Steps to Perfect Sun Salutations by Yoga journal
