All about Surya Namaskar and its Benefits
Posted by: | Posted on: 28 February, 2020 | Category: Yoga | School Name: abhay_11
Surya Namaskar means Sun Salutation and is one of the fundamental poses in yoga. It is a set of 12 yoga poses or asanas that are done to express gratitude to the sun, the source of life.
There are many health benefits of Surya Namaskar and this article sheds light on some of them.
Significance of Surya Namaskar
As one of the most ancient yoga practices, Surya Namaskar holds great significance in yoga.
The 12 poses of Surya Namaskar represent the 12 zodiac signs. Each sign has a mantra which is to be recited while practicing the poses.
Surya Namaskar is said to activate the solar plexus, which is located behind the navel. Interestingly, the solar plexus is believed to be connected to the sun. Practicing Surya Namaskar regularly also enhances intuition and creativity.
Each of the 12 poses of Surya Namaskar have their own mantra. The Surya Namaskar mantra is to be recited as you transition from one pose to the other.
Surya Namaskar Mantras are :
1. Aum Mitraya Namah
2. Aum Ravayre Namah
3. Aum Suryaya Namah
4. Aum Bhanave Namah
5. Aum Khagaya Namah
6. Aum Pushne Namah
7. Aum Hiranyagarbhaya Namah
8. Aum Marichaye Namah
9. Aum Adityaya Namah
10. Aum Savitre Namah
11. Aum Arkaya Namah
12. Aum Bhaskaraya Namah
Health Benefits of Surya Namaskar
The health benefits of Surya Namaskar are :
Improves blood pressure & cardiovascular health - Surya Namaskar improves blood circulation and as a result your blood flow increases leading to better skin, improved cell growth, and overall a better health.
Stimulates cognition - Throughout the 12 poses of Surya Namaskar, the focus is on your breathing. This helps is relaxing your mind and making you more self-aware. Helping in clearer thinking and better cognitive abilities.
Improves digestion & boosts health - The poses of Surya Namaskar enhance digestive functions by absorbing nutrients faster and regulating hormones. This improves your immune system and also boosts health.
Enhances strength & flexibility - Each Surya Namaskar posture impacts a certain part of the body. With regular practice, improvement in strength and flexibility is attained. Your muscles become toned, stronger, and flexible. And your bone health improves as well.
Weight loss - The postures in Surya Namaskar affects the different parts of the body and helps in reducing excess fat from the body, gradually helping in weight loss.
Regulates menstrual cycle - Surya Namaskar helps in regulating irregular menstrual cycle, period pains, and ease childbirth.
Calms the mind & improves emotional stability - The practice of breathing deeply alongside the powerful postures helps in calming the mind. Surya Namaskar improves the functioning of the thyroid glands and hence, aids in reducing anxiety and mood swings.
