Surya Namaskarr
In Hinduism, ‘Suraya Namaskar’ is Salutation to the sun. The sun or Surya is the chief solar deity and is believed to be the king of all planets responsable for their movements. According to the Vedas, praicing the Sun God enhances good health and prosperity.
In the Hindu society the main aspect of the Sun salutation is to show complete surrender of oneself to God.
The best time for practice will be either at sunrise or at sunset facing towards the sun.
The immage above shows the sequence of asanas comprising the Surya Namaskar.
You want your breath to be synchronised with the movements. Starting with exhalation in the prayer pose the breath each asana is moved into with alterate inhalation and exhalation. The asanas will alternately strech the spine backward and for ward.
A full round of Surya Namaskar consists of two sets of twelve poses. The first with moving the left leg first, the second with moveing the right leg first into the postures.
Benefits of Surya Namaskar:
v Tones and stimulates the spine , stimulates the nerves in the spine.
v Oxygenates the blood and helps strengten the heart.
v Stimulates the cardio vascular system.
v Improves circulation to abdominal organs and therefor improves their functioning. Improves digestion.
v Benefits joints ligaments andthe skeletal system by improving posture, flexibility and ballance.
v Benefits the endocrine system and enables the various endocrine glands to function properly.
Relaxes and rejuvenates and alleviates tension, stress, anxiety and insomnia.
