Sun Salutation Health Benefits
Last updated on October 2nd, 2025 at 12:21 pm
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”.
These yoga poses are combined in one cycle, but they can also be done separately to improve flexibility, relax joints and muscles, massage internal organs, activate bodily systems, and warm up for other sports. It is believed that one who does “Sun Salutation” shows 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 pose 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 sequences of yoga poses. Regular practice of Sun Salutation can significantly boost cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and improving circulation throughout the body.
The flowing sequence also enhances mental clarity and concentration, making it an excellent morning routine to energize both body and mind. Additionally, this complete body workout helps regulate the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance and supporting overall metabolic function.
Research suggests that consistent Sun Salutation practice can reduce stress hormones while increasing the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.
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