People think that Surya Namaskara is just another form of exercise to strengthen muscles. Yes, it certainly does that. But, it does so much MORE to your body, mind, and soul, if practiced correctly.

What is Surya Namaskara?

Expressing respect and gratitude to the Sun God is an ancient practice Known as “Sun Salutation”. Without the Sun, there’s no life on Earth, and hence the practice is to build up the same energy in the body as well.

Benefits of Surya Namaskara

• Aids in Weight Loss

When Performed in a fast pace, Surya Namaskara is an excellent way to lose weight. The postures help in stretching abdominal muscles, thereby providing you with a rigorous cardiovascular workout & lose weight around the belly aiding in improving metabolism, increasing the rate at which the body burns off calories.

• Enjoy Glowing Skin

Make Surya Namaskara a part of your morning routine as It helps in increasing blood circulation, providing your skin with an inner glow.

• Regulates Menstrual Cycles

Regular practice regulates irregular periods and other hormonal imbalances. Daily practice of these postures for pregnant women helps in easy childbirth. However, pregnant women should follow Surya Namaskara only under expert guidance.

• Regulates your Digestive System

It helps in good functioning of your digestive tract, by increasing the blood flow to your intestines and other vital organs.

• Keep your Blood Sugar Levels in Check

Practicing Surya Namaskara regularly helps in increasing insulin sensitivity, thereby controlling your blood sugar levels or Diabetes.

• Reduces Stress in body system

Surya Namaskar helps in effective functioning of the endocrine glands, particularly to thyroid. It also helps in soothing your nervous system, thereby supporting you in getting of anxiety, panic attacks and controls your stress levels.

Instructions for Surya Namaskara Practice

1. Om Mitrāya Namah (Salutations to the friend) – Pranamasana Breathe out, stand upright, with your hands in the prayer position. Look inwards.
2. Om Rāvaye Namah (Ever shining Salutation) – Hasta Uttanasana Breathe in, raise your hands up, gently bend towards the back. Look upwards.
3. Om Sūryāya Namah (cosmic light Salutations) – Pada Hasta Asana Breathe out, bend frontward, stretch your legs, press your palms on the floor, on the sides of your feet. Look downwards.
4. Om Bhānave Nama (Salutations to the illuminator) – Anjaneya Asana Breathe in, stretch your right leg far behind. Arch your spine. Look frontwards.
5. Om Khagāya Namah (Salutations to the performer) – Adho Mukha Svanasana Breathe out, move your left leg far behind. Line up your legs back and stretch your limbs. Look downwards.
6. Om Pusne Namah (Salutations to the nourisher) – Ashta Anga Namaskara Breathe in, move your toes under, knees down and hips up. Breathe out, by looking downwards while touching your chest and chin on the floor.
7. Om Hiranya Garbhāya Namah (cosmic power Salutations) – Urdhva Mukha Svanasana Breathe in and raise your head and chest, raise your thighs and pelvis off the floor. Stretch frontward and arch your back. Look upwards.
8. Om Marīcāye Namah (cosmic rays Salutations) – Adho Mukha Svanasana Breathe out, press your palms and feet on the floor, raise your hips up and lower your head. Stretch your legs and hands. Look downwards.
9. Om Adityāya Namah (Salutes to the son of Aditi) – Anjaneya Asana Breathe in, move your right foot frontward between your palms. Stretch your left leg back. Arch your back and open your chest. Look forward.
10. Om Sāvitre Namah (Salutations to the stimulator) – Pada Hasta Asana Breathe out, move your left foot forward, straighten your legs, bend frontward. Stretch your hands downwards, bend down your head. Look downwards.
11. Om Arkāya Namah (Salutes to the elixir of life) – Hasta Uttanasana Breathe in, roll up, straighten your back, stretch your hands up and look backward. Look upwards.
12. Om Bhāskarāya Namah (Salutations to the enlightener) – Pranamasana Exhale, stand upright, with your hands in the prayer position. Look inwards.