Suryanamaskar
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Suryanamaskar is “a Salutation to the Sun“ which is made of twelve steps where the whole muscular structure of the body is used. It is a complete exercise, where the muscles are toned; respiration and cardiac rhythm is quickened and intensified without inducing breathlessness and fatigue. Actually, it is just made up of only six movements (asanas), which is repeated in reverse order in the next six counts. Doesn’t it seem to look easy now? Learn all the asanas individually and just place them in the sequence, and your salutation is complete.
Let us learn and appreciate the importance of Suryanamaskar and its bountiful effects:
- SN is not limited in its action to any part of the body; it acts on the whole body
- SN tones the digestive system by the alternate compression and stretching of the abdominal region. It massages all the inner organs of the abdomen, activates digestion, and relieves constipation and dyspepsia.
- SN is performed with synchronization of breathing with movements, thoroughly ventilating the lungs, oxygenating the blood and the most important of all, it gets rid of all the unwanted carbon dioxide and other toxic gases through the respiratory tracts.
- SN improves the blood flow throughout the system, which is ideal for good health. It combats hypertension and palpitations.
- SN tones the nervous system by the stretching and bending of the spinal column and thus regulating the function of sympathetic and parasympathetic system. This helps in promoting sleep too.
- SN stimulates and normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands- the thyroid in particular – through movements where the neck muscles are compressed.
- SN improves the muscle structure of the body where the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, back, abdominal wall, thighs, calves and ankles are toned. Backaches can be prevented as this effectively strengthens the back.
- SN tones and improves the function of ovaries and uterus, suppressing menstrual irregularity and assists in women trying to conceive.
- SN gets rid of any folds of fat, especially around the stomach, hips, thighs, neck and chin.
- SN increases immunity.
- To sum up SN promotes health and strength and the efficiency and longevity of every human being.
If you already know and practice the salutation to the Sun, now is the opportunity to perform it more earnestly and more often than ever before. It is advisable to face the rising sun, chant the Surya mantra and then with conscious mind preform the Suryanamaskar. Maintain an uninterrupted rhythm throughout the succession of salutations.
If Suryanamaskar is practiced with integrity and perseverance, it will reward you with superb health and vibrant energy.
Word of caution: People with lower back, sciatica pull, cervical disc bulge, lumbar disc issues need to strengthen their muscles as first priority for a few months before moving on to Surya namaskar. If your teacher/Instructor is insisting on doing the flow of Suryanamaskar, please do not get carried away. There are several variations in Surya namaskar which are tried and researched for people with knee, back issues.