Suraya Namaskara - The king of Yoga Asana's
Surya Namaskara:
Surya Namaskara is of salutations to the sun. It finds its roots in worship of Surya, the sun god. This sequence of activities and poses can be practiced as a physical exercise or a complete "sadhana" which incorporates exercise postures, breathing exercises, and profound meditation.
The rewards of Surya Namaskara are many. It is the best exercise for achieving fitness. It includes a warm up session as well as the main exercise. In this present day and time, as every individual faces a time-crunch it is difficult to exercise regularly, but with just fifteen minutes of this yoga, maximum results and infinite benefits can be obtained.
These yogic asanas directly affect the endocrine system and the digestive system, balance any hormonal imbalances and give a quick shot of vigor to the body in a matter of minutes. In about three months’ time and with dedicated practice of Surya Namaskara the suppleness and litheness of the body can be increased.
Cultural Beliefs:
If
one is devotionally inclined then the exercise can be done with full
knowledge of the significance of worshipping the sun. This will purify
the heart and mind. Surya namaskara also helps to bring the flow of
pranic or bioplasmic energy into balance and remove blockages in the
nadis through which it flows. Surya namaskara is an excellent practice
with which to start the day.
Benefits:
- It improves the blood circulation of all the important organs of the body.
- Increase the level of oxygen in blood, also improves breathing capacity.
- Improves functioning of heart and lungs.
- Strengthens the muscles of the arms and waist.
- Makes the spine and waist more flexible.
- Helps in reducing the fat around the abdomen and thus reduces weight.
- Improves digestion.
- Improves concentration power.
Scientific Reasons:
Studies
showed that the cardio respiratory parameters significantly change
after the practice of Surya namaskar. In general, yogic practices have
been proposed to reduce resting heart rate and blood pressure.
Surya
namaskara increases the heartbeat and the workings of the whole
circulatory system, helping to eliminate waste materials from the body.
Areas of sluggish blood are also removed and replaced by purified and
oxygenated blood. All the cells of the body receive extra nutrition
enabling them to function more efficiently.
Most
people tend to breathe superficially in short and shallow gasps. This
starves the body of the oxygen it requires for perfect health. Carbon
dioxide also tends to accumulate in the system. Further underutilization
of the lung capacity allows a build-up of germs which can lead to
various illnesses.
Surya namaskara accentuates the exchange of air to and from the lungs, opens and expands the intricate alveoli, or air sacs, of the lung tissue and exercises the muscles of the surrounding chest region. The lungs are emptied of impurities and stale air and the body and brain are revitalized by the extra supply of oxygen they receive. One can almost feel the extra super-charge of energy.
Surya namaskara accentuates the exchange of air to and from the lungs, opens and expands the intricate alveoli, or air sacs, of the lung tissue and exercises the muscles of the surrounding chest region. The lungs are emptied of impurities and stale air and the body and brain are revitalized by the extra supply of oxygen they receive. One can almost feel the extra super-charge of energy.
