SURYANAMASKAR | YOGA | PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH | SUN GOD | STRESSFUL

SURYANAMASKAR

 

Worshiping the Sun with Surya Namaskar Yogasanas

What is Surya Namaskar?

Suryanamaskar is an ancient yoga asana. Which is performed as worship and service to Surya. Doing this asana at sunrise helps improve physical and mental health. The main purpose of Surya Namaskar is to worship the powerful Aditya deity of the Sun and connect the soul with vital energy. This yoga is a combination of pranayama, asanas, and several asanas to achieve peace of mind.

Introduction

Suryanamaskar, also known as Surya Namaskar, is an ancient practice that involves yoga asanas or postures held to honor the sun. The sun has always been revered throughout human history, and in Hindu mythology, the sun god, or Surya, symbolizes good health and eternal life. According to the Rig-Veda, the Sun is the soul of both moving and non-moving elements. The stages of Surya Namaskar are divided into twelve asanas or asanas performed one after the other in sequence. Asanas stretch the body by alternately contracting and expanding the chest to control breathing. Suryanamaskar yoga, when practiced regularly, improves the flexibility of the spine and joints and the ability to reduce excess body fat. It also helps to warm up the body in preparation for various asanas and yoga poses.

Although there are many versions of Suryanamaskar asana today, the most common are:

Pranamasana (Prayer Posture)

Hastuttanasana (raised arms)

Hastapadasana (forward bend)

Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Horse Pose)

Dandasana (Stick Pose)

Ashtanga Namaskar (Eight Parts Salutation)

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Horse Pose)

Hastapadasana (forward bend)

Hastuttanasana (raised arms)

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  Surya Namaskar: Mythology and Ancient Origins

Suryanamaskar is one of the most important asanas or Purva asanas in yoga practice. Worshiping or bowing to the Sun God brings happiness and also has a long history spread all over the world. Sun worship was considered idolatrous in the Abrahamic religions. Worship of the sun god was important in most cultures discovered so far, and some did not. Although their methods of worship differed, all these cultures recognized the Sun as the sacred king, ruler of the worlds above and below. In some cultures, sun worship was precise and systematic, while in others it was done using solar images. Sun god worship is also mentioned in ancient Egyptian history when the sun god was known as "Re". Before the advent of Christianity, the sun played an important role in all ancient Mexican and Peruvian rituals. Their kings were considered to be incarnations of the Sun God. The most famous example of sun worship is the North American Sun Dance, which was legally banned in America in the early nineteenth century.

Importance of Surya Namaskar Yoga

Suryanamaskar is the best asana for strengthening back and body muscles. Suryanamaskar yoga has many benefits: It is a comprehensive exercise for the whole body system that can be done without any equipment. It is a great way to get rid of the dull and boring daily routine of life. Ancient Indian sages worshiped Suryanamaskar because it affects many of the forces that govern our physical and mental health. The solar plexus, a network of radiating nerves located in the pit of the stomach, is believed to be connected to the sun. As a result, consistent practice of Surya Namaskar increases the size of the solar plexus, which improves creativity, intuition, self-confidence, decision-making ability, and leadership. Although there is no fixed time of day to perform Surya Namaskar, it is generally performed at sunrise. Only then are the rays of the sun most suitable and beneficial for the rejuvenation and rejuvenation of the body. It can also be done to relax after a long day.

BENEFITS OF SURYA NAMASKAR

The benefits of Suryanamaskar's steps are numerous. It has the potential to bring much-needed improvements in your mind and body as well as other important areas of your life. Some of the benefits of Surya Namaskar are as follows.

Surya Namaskar for Healthy Hair: Surya Namaskar stimulates blood flow to the scalp and nourishes it. It helps prevent problems like premature greying, thinning, and hair loss.

Surya Namaskar for weight loss: Surya Namaskar can be done faster than normal to burn more calories. It can be used as a great aerobic workout that works all the muscles of the body and improves metabolism. Additionally, it includes a variety of twists and stretches that help reduce fat evenly throughout the body, especially in the abdomen.

Surya Namaskar for Glowing Skin: Surya Namaskar improves blood circulation, and skin looks young, beautiful, and healthy. Additionally, keeping stress at bay keeps your skin firm, prevents wrinkles, and delays aging.

Improves Digestive System: Good functioning of the digestive system is essential to maintain a healthy and disease-free body. Suryanamaskar improves blood circulation in the body, which helps the bowels to function properly. As a result, increased vitamin absorption and general health are possible.

Better Menstruation: Surya Namaskar poses and stretches can help you strengthen your abdominal muscles and manage your periods. Regular practice of asanas can also help make labor more comfortable.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: People who practice Surya Namaskar daily experience significant benefits for their physical and mental health. This asana improves the functioning of their nervous system, making it easier to relax and relieve anxiety. It helps people with thyroid problems by normalizing the activity of the endocrine glands.

Improves Breathing: Surya Namaskar effectively ventilates the lungs and oxygenates the blood adequately, complementing the breathing process.

Fights Insomnia: One of the most important health benefits of Surya Namaskar is to reduce lack of sleep. It calms the mind, helps relieve stress and anxiety, and improves sleep patterns.

Types of Surya Namaskar

Suryanamaskar has evolved over the decades and its asanas have undergone many changes and modifications. Besides, it is a yoga activity that has grown in popularity a lot. Suryanamaskar is actually included in various yoga techniques. Let's take a look at some of them in the next section:

Ashtanga Surya Namaskar:

Surya Namaskar is divided into Ashtanga Surya Namaskar series: Type A and Type B. Type A has nine configurations and Type B has seventeen configurations.

Hatha Surya Namaskar:

It is performed through 12 spinal asanas, which emphasize breathing. This is one of the most popular Surya Namaskar styles and also the simplest.

Iyengar Suryanamaskar:

Iyengar Suryanamaskar is equivalent to Hatha Yoga but focuses a little more on movement and energy. It is done faster than other forms of Surya Namaskar.

12 Asanas of Surya Namaskar

In this section let us learn about the 12 Surya Namaskar Asanas.

Mudra 1: Prayer Mudra - Pranamasana

Implementation:

Begin by standing straight in front of your mat, with your feet together and your arms resting comfortably at your sides.

Close your eyes and bring your palms together in the center of your chest. Relax your entire body.

Advantages:

This position calms the nervous system and helps restore physical balance.

It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Mudra 2: Hands Raised Pose - Hasta Uttanasana

Implementation:

Exhale deeply to begin Hasta Uttanasana.

Then, take a deep breath and extend your arms forward and above your head.

Look up and press the pelvis forward to extend your body back slightly.

Focus on inhaling while bending back and focusing on exhaling while bending forward.

Advantages:

Stretching and toning the abdominal muscles.

This exercise stretches the entire body from heels to toes.

Mudra 3: Hands to Feet Pose - Hasta Padasana

Implementation:

Exhale and begin to bend your knees forward and down, keeping your spine long.

Place your hands on the floor and only touch the surface with your fingertips.

Simply bend your knees so that your chest rests on your thighs and your head on your knees. For a few seconds Stay in this position.

Advantages:

It stretches and stretches the spine, making it more flexible.

It also stretches the muscles of the legs, shoulders, and arms while stretching the hamstrings.

Mudra 4: Equestrian Pose - Ashwa Sanchalanasana

Implementation:

Step your right leg back, keeping just the knee down and pressing your toes securely.

Bend your left knee while keeping your foot flat on the floor.

Flex your left leg at the knee, keeping your foot flat on the ground.

Advantages:

Leg and spine muscles are strengthened.

Relieves indigestion and constipation.

Mudra 5: Mountain Pose - Parvatasana

Implementation:

Exhale slowly, bring your palms to the floor, and lift your hips in the air by moving your left leg to the right.

Bring your shoulders toward your ankles while lengthening your spine. Take a few deep breaths in and out.

Advantages:

It helps improve posture and relax the mind.

Mudra 6: Ashtanga Namaskar

Implementation:

Exhaling, lower your knees and slowly lower your head to the floor with a controlled chest.

For added strength, keep your elbows pressed to the sides.

As your strength improves in this transition, you'll be able to drop your chest down, keeping your hips in the air.

Advantages:

This increases the flexibility of the back and spine.

Strengthens back muscles while reducing stress.

This pose works on all eight parts of your body.

Mudra 7: Cobra Pose - Bhujangasana

Implementation:

Keep your hands and feet in the same place. Breathe too.

Lean forward and lift your chest like a snake.

Press your elbows toward each other while rolling your shoulders back.

Look up slowly.

Advantages:

It enhances mood and flexibility.

During the yoga pose, keep your hands and feet in the same place and focus on your breath.

Mudra8: Mountain Pose - Parvatasana

Implementation:

Press the toes down as you inhale. (Same as Scenario 5)

Return to the inverted V position by lengthening your spine and bringing your shoulders closer to your ankles. Now take some deep breaths. Lift your hips towards the sky and press your hands into the floor as you exhale.

Advantages:

It improves blood circulation in the back area.

It helps women cope with menopausal symptoms.

Mudra 9: Equestrian Posture - Ashwa Sanchalanasana

Implementation:

Push your hips forward and bring your left foot forward between your palms. Lift your body and tilt your head back, arch your back, and look up at the sky (same as pose 4).

Advantages:

Leg muscles become more flexible and abdominal organs are toned.

The spine becomes stronger.

Mudra 10: Hand to Foot Pose - Hasta Padasana

Implementation:

Exhale with the right leg forward and bring the legs together (as in Asana 3).

Simply bend your knees so that your chest rests on your thighs and your head rests on your knees.

Advantages:

Sleeplessness, brittle bones, head pain, worry, and strain can all be mitigated.

Mudra 11: Hands Raised Pose - Hasta Uttanasana

Implementation:

Next, take a deep breath and extend your arms forward and above your head (as in pose 2).

Look up and press the pelvis forward to extend your body back slightly.

Exhale deeply.

Advantages:

It treats ailments like asthma, back pain, and fatigue. It also helps in digestion.

The chest expands, resulting in complete oxygen intake.

Mudra 12: Standing Mountain Pose - Tadasana

Implementation:

Finally, exhale and return to the prayer position (same as Asana 1).

Lower your arms slowly and steadily.

Advantages:

Thighs, knees, and ankles are strengthened and posture is improved.

Tone your hips stomach and muscles to control your emotions.

When all 12 Mudra are completed, ONE cycle of Surya Namaskar is complete. An average of 12-15 cycles per day will give you all the benefits your body needs, keeping you fit and healthy for a brighter tomorrow.

Summary

Most of us, in pursuit of a luxurious life, are stuck with stressful schedules and energy-consuming work shifts, which can have a significant impact on our health and happiness. Technically, this leaves us with very little time for rest, let alone time for physical activity. Even spending a few minutes to improve one's health and mind can seem like a daunting task. The sun's energy, in the form of heat and light, sustains life on Earth. Taking a few minutes to do Surya Namaskar, can help you find more stability in all areas of your life. With this in mind, Decathlon urges everyone participating in its Yogasanas to perform the Surya Namaskar series of asanas and reap the benefits.

PLEASE NOTE

All the information in the above article is collected from various websites through the internet. According to the topic, this information has been presented to you with necessary modifications. The Compiler does not take any responsibility for its authenticity and cannot guarantee 100% about the points and information presented therein. Readers are requested to enjoy reading.