Surya Namaskar: A Complete Guide to Health and Wellbeing

Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is one of the most popular yoga asanas. It is a complete workout that has copious benefits for the mind and the body. Though it’s an age-old practice, Sun salutation got its due recognition only in recent times. So, in this blog, I bring you some of the most amazing benefits of Surya Namaskar.

Practising Surya Namaskar even for only 10 minutes every day can have dramatic changes. From improving your strength and posture to enhancing your mood and mental health, the wide range of benefits can surpass any medicine!

Before discussing the benefits, here is a short description of what is Surya Namaskar!

What is Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar is a superior yoga asana that constitutes 12 different postures. It engages the entire body and benefits every cell of the body. Traditionally, Surya Namaskar was a form of expressing gratitude to the sun, which is the supreme source of all life on earth.   

This amazing workout strengthens your back and muscles. It further aids in bringing down blood sugar levels. Surya Namaskar also improves metabolism and blood circulation. This simple practice can also help in ensuring a regular menstrual cycle for women. Thus, the benefits of this yoga asana are myriad, and here is a look at the list!

Also Read: Do yoga and meditation result in fewer doctor visits?

Amazing benefits of Surya Namaskar

It strengthens your Muscles and Joints

Surya Namaskar helps in stretching, toning, and strengthening your muscles. It will tone up your abdomen and arms and improve your flexibility. Surya Namaskar further strengthens your ligaments and joints. This reduces your risk of injury during workouts. Regular practice improves the flexibility of your spine and joints.

Improves Skin and Complexion

Surya Namaskar is a great whole-body workout that improves your blood circulation. This aids in bringing a glow to your face improves elasticity and prevents the onset of wrinkles. Enhanced blood circulation also benefits your hair and prevents early greying. It is a great natural way to fight to age and look radiant!

It strengthens your digestive system

Surya Namaskar supports the smooth functioning of your digestive system. As I already said, sun salutation improves the blood flow throughout the body including your intestines. This results in better functioning of the digestive organs. 

It supports your Weight Loss journey

Many think Surya Namaskar is just a stretching exercise. But experts agree that it’s an excellent cardiovascular workout that can help in weight loss. Studies say that weight lifting burns around 199 calories, tennis around 232 calories, football around 298 calories, running 414 calories, and Surya Namaskar 417 calories. 

So, technically Surya Namaskar is more effective than most of the weight loss activities! The postures stretch your abdominal muscles and effectively tone your waistline. This cardio workout is excellent for your abs, thighs, and butt. It also improves your metabolism which further contributes to weight loss.

It can aid in easing insomnia

Ayurvedic Doctors often recommend Surya Namaskar for insomnia or other sleep problems. It eases your tension, relaxes the body, and calms your mind. This promotes quiet and peaceful sleep quality. Research says Surya Namaskar is also beneficial for mental health. 

Many of my patients reported better sleep after practicing Surya Namaskar. It is a de-stressor and hence many people found relief from overthinking and unnecessary tensions. 

It regulates the Menstrual Cycle

Surya Namaskar is incredibly beneficial for women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles. Another benefit of this practice is that it promotes hormonal balance. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps in regulating the menstrual cycle. This practice further aids in relieving menstrual cramps and aids in natural childbirth!

Better mental health

Surya Namaskar has a meditative effect on the mind. Since it’s a practice of concentration and focus, doing it every day improves memory and cognitive functions. It also enhances the function of the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety.

Practising Surya Namaskar daily brings a remarkable difference in mental and physical health. It is also highly beneficial for children, as it improves their concentration and builds endurance. Practising this asana can reduce anxiety and restlessness, especially during exams. 

Helps control blood pressure and heart health

Ayurvedic Doctors often recommend Surya Namaskar in regulating blood pressure. It also helps in preventing and combating heart problems. This full-body yoga asana strengthens the heart muscles and resets irregular heartbeats. It is a perfect practice to keep heart problems at bay!

It’s a great detoxifying regime

Apart from being an excellent weight loss exercise, Surya Namaskar is also a great detoxification practice. It boosts efficient inhalation and exhalation and provides your body with a rich supply of oxygen. Further, it promotes the elimination of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.

Facilitates Better Absorption of Nutrients

Surya Namaskar facilitates proper blood circulation and digestion. It also enhances the absorption of nutrition which helps our vital organs in carrying out crucial functions. Thus, it can effectively prevent the onset of many chronic diseases. It is particularly effective in preventing thyroid dysfunction, PCOD, and obesity.

Also Read: Incredible ways yoga transforms your mind, body and spirit

Precautions!

• While performing Surya Namaskar, it is important to follow the correct breathing sequence. 
• The second most important thing to remember is not to skip a posture as that would break the cycle. 
• Always make sure to maintain a straight backline. 
• Skipping the warm-up routine before Surya Namaskara is another mistake. 
• Do not rush to escalate the number of sets. Go slow and aim for perfection before increasing the sets.

Also Read: Heal with Yoga

Your Takeaway!

Surya Namaskar, also known as ‘The Ultimate Asana’ is the perfect practice for complete health. Be it your weight issues or diet issues, Surya Namaskar can rewire it all. Also, it’s the perfect way to start a great day.