Suryanamaskara and its importance

In the ancient language of Sanskrit ‘Surya’ means Sun and Namaskara Means ‘Salutation’. Essentially, Surya Namaskara is referred as Sun Salutations. It’s a sequence of twelve steps that meant to warm up your body and prepare it for yoga. However, it’s more than just a warm up. This sequence carries a rich history and provides a whole body benefits. 

In the vedas, everything in the universe has male and female side. The female side of the sun is depicted as Gayatri in Hindu Mythology, representing a nourishing and life giving force. And male side of the sun depicted as surya. We therefore can term Suryanamaskara as Yin and Yang Energy. Traditionally, Surya Namaskara is to warm up and invigorate our body for following asana practice. We bow down facing the sun to salute its energy and to absorb it to the fullest

Benefits of Suryanamaskara

Improved Blood Circulation

Surya Namaskar helps improve blood circulation and strengthen heart function. It also enhances the resting cardiovascular parameters, such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. 

Increased Oxygenation

During Sun Salutations, more alveoli of the lungs are expanded, stimulated and then cleansed. Alveoli are tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs that work as basic respiratory units. Their function is to move oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules into and out of the bloodstream. 

Through the rhythmic breathing of Sun Salutations, the oxygen content of the blood is increased. This improves oxygenation of the body, especially the heart and brain. The cardiac muscles also improve through this rhythmic breathing and movement.   

Boosts Gut Health

Surya Namaskar is also beneficial for digestive health and other systems of the body as the asanas interact with the organs of the body directly, by applying pressure, massaging, stretching and toning the muscles. This aids the elimination processes of the body.  

Mental Health Benefits:

Suryanamaskara Reduces anxiety, combats insomnia, depression and makes your mind calm and composed. It gives direction top your mind and makes you a better person