Surya Namaskar – The Art of Stress Relief
Sun salutations can energize and warm you, even on the darkest, coldest winter day.
Carol Krucoff
Surya Namaskar also known as “the ultimate asana”, is an ancient ritual of twelve steps to warm up the body preparing it for yoga practice. It upholds a rich history as well as holistic benefits that befit both the body and mind.
Although Surya Namaskar is best to practice at sunrise as sun rays can help revitalize mentally and physically; it can be practiced at any time of the day and can be done at a variety of slow, medium, or fast paces.
In Sanskrit, Surya means Sun and Namaskar means greeting which is then “greeting to the sun”!
With the combined merge of the Western and Eastern systems, there are many studies and researches that are emerging to investigate the benefits of Surya Namaskar both physically and mentally.
Benefits
Surya Namaskar possesses tremendous benefits both physically and mentally. The sun and its energy if extracted rightly benefit humankind.
Physically they are beneficial to cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, stimulate rhythmic breathing process, aid in weight loss, and increases body flexibility and muscle toning.
It sharpens the ability to focus, boosts self-confidence, and flourishes self-discipline. It pacifies the nervous system. Its consistent practice contributes to the management of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
A real stress buster!
The practice of Surya Namaskar involves the formation of various body postures, slow stretching movements, and breathing exercises, that lead to progressive relaxation, imagery, and meditation.
Improves anxiety
Different asanas in Surya namaskar reduce stress and anxiety and while increasing the blood flow it helps to enhance the functioning of the endocrine glands.
It reduces the stress-hormones cortisol and thereby reduces stress and anxiety.
The breathing techniques help to relax the nerve cells.
It boosts emotional stability and enhances creativity level.
Battles insomnia
Surya Namaskar fights Insomnia. It is known to improve the sleep pattern as it helps to calm the mind by giving a better and more peaceful sleep at night.
Enhances intuition
Surya Namaskar helps in the expansion of the solar plexus which develops the intuitive ability and brings more focus.
Whereas, its contraction leads to depression and other negative tendencies.
Calming properties
The performance of Surya Namaskar’s postures has a calming effect on the brain.
Those specific poses like downward dog and cobra pose stimulate the nerves gently to reduce anxiety and secure the nervous system that promotes positivity.
Helps maintain high spirits
Surya Namaskar enhances the health of your body, mind, and soul as a whole.
It keeps the body free from diseases and leads a life of youthfulness, vigour, and positivity. Thereby helping to keep up the high spirits throughout.
The ultimate asana
- Pranamasana (prayer pose)
- Hasta Utthanasana (raised arms pose)
- Padahastasana (hand to foot pose)
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (equestrian pose)
- Parvatasana (mountain pose)
- Ashtanga Namaskara (salute with eight parts or points)
- Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
- Parvatasana (mountain pose)
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (equestrian pose)
- Padahastasana (hand to foot pose)
- Hasta Utthanasana (raised arms pose)
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