Surya Namaskar – 12 Benefits of Performing Surya Namaskar Daily

Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a powerful yoga sequence comprising twelve asanas or poses. This practice, deeply rooted in the traditional Indian practice of yoga, has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its myriad benefits. By harnessing the energy of the sun, Surya Namaskar infuses the body with vitality and promotes overall well-being. This blog explores the long-term benefits of Surya Namaskar, detailing how regular practice can transform your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

What is Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar, literally translating to "salutation to the sun," involves twelve dynamic poses that flow seamlessly into one another. These asanas are typically performed in the morning, facing the rising sun, to harness its energy. The practice can also be done in the evening, facing the setting sun. Surya Namaskar serves as a comprehensive exercise, warming up the body and preparing it for more intensive yoga poses.

12 Steps of Surya Namaskar

Before getting into the benefits of Surya Namaskar, it’s essential to understand the twelve Surya Namaskar steps involved in this practice:

1. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Begin in a standing position with your feet together, palms joined in front of your chest, and shoulders relaxed.
2. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Inhale and raise your arms above your head, bending slightly backwards.
3. Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Exhale and bend forward from the waist, touching the floor with your hands.
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): Inhale and extend your right leg back, placing your hands on the floor beside your left foot.
5. Dandasana (Stick Pose): Exhale and bring your left leg back, aligning it with your right leg in a plank position.
6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with Eight Parts or Points): Lower your knees, chest, and chin to the floor, keeping your hips elevated.
7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Inhale and raise your chest, arching your back slightly.
8. Parvatasana (Mountain Pose): Exhale and lift your hips, forming an inverted V-shape with your body.
9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): Inhale and bring your right foot forward between your hands.
10. Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Exhale and bring your left foot forward, folding your upper body down.
11. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Inhale and rise, lifting your arms above your head.
12. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Exhale and return to the standing position with your hands in prayer pose.

12 Benefits of Performing Surya Namaskar Daily

1. Strengthens Muscles and Joints

The twelve asanas of Surya Namaskar work on muscles and joints throughout the body. This practice stretches, strengthens, and tones muscles, enhancing flexibility and spinal health.

2. Builds Immunity

Regular practice of Sun Salutation improves the functioning of vital internal organs, enhances blood circulation, and boosts oxygen supply. This, in turn, strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off illnesses.

3. Aids Detoxification

The rhythmic breathing pattern in Surya Namaskar ventilates the lungs and oxygenates the blood, facilitating detoxification. Improved lymphatic flow helps carry toxins to the excretory organs, promoting overall health.

4. Encourages Weight Loss

Surya Namaskar is an intense physical exercise that aids in weight loss. Practising multiple rounds at a faster pace burns calories and boosts metabolism, helping you achieve your weight loss goals.

5. Balances the Body and Mind

This yoga sequence creates harmony between the body and mind by working on every part of the system. It enhances the mind-body connection and improves balance and coordination.

6. Infuses the Body with Energy

Surya Namaskar releases energy blockages, allowing prana or life force to flow freely. This increases vitality, stamina, and overall strength, leaving you feeling energised and invigorated.

7. Helps in Skincare and Haircare

Improved blood circulation to the scalp and face nourishes the hair and skin. This reduces hair fall and greying promotes hair growth and keeps the skin healthy and glowing.

8. Ignites the Digestive Fire

One of the key benefits of Surya Namaskar is that it stimulates the digestive fire or Agni. This improves digestion, enhances stamina, and boosts overall health.

9. Promotes Digestion

The postures in Surya Namaskar work on the abdominal muscles, improving blood flow to the intestines and aiding digestion. This practice helps maintain gut health and prevents digestive disorders.

10. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Surya Namaskar balances the nervous system, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. It improves memory, focus, and intuition and balances hormones, leading to lower stress levels.

11. Regulates the Menstrual Cycle

For women, Surya Namaskar helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce period pain, and manage hormonal imbalances. The postures stimulate glands and improve hormonal health.

12. Improves Sleep Quality

Practicing Surya Namaskar promotes relaxation, reduces tension, and improves sleep quality. It helps cure insomnia and ensures restful sleep.

Studies on Surya Namaskar

Several studies highlight the long-term benefits of Surya Namaskar. Research indicates that introducing Sun Salutation to children at a young age enhances their physical and mental health. Comparative studies show that slow-paced Surya Namaskar has benefits similar to yoga training, while fast-paced practice has effects comparable to aerobic exercises. Regular practice improves cardiorespiratory fitness, promotes weight management, and reduces stress, enhancing overall well-being. The benefits of doing Surya Namaskar are extensive and well-documented. From strengthening muscles and building immunity to promoting mental clarity and improving sleep quality, Surya Namaskar offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. Incorporating this practice into your daily routine can transform your life, infusing your body and mind with energy, vitality, and peace. Embrace Surya Namaskar and experience the profound impact it can have on your health. For those seeking to enhance their well-being through yoga, consider starting your day with Surya Namaskar. The practice not only revitalises your body but also prepares your mind for the challenges of the day. As part of a balanced lifestyle, it complements the comprehensive coverage provided by a good health insurance plan. Explore the benefits of Surya Namaskar and take a step towards a healthier, happier life. Start your journey towards holistic health today with Surya Namaskar, and secure your future with reliable health insurance coverage. Explore health insurance online at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company to find the most suitable plan for your needs and ensure comprehensive protection for you and your loved ones. *Standard T&C Apply **Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. ***Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ****The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.