The Many Amazing Benefits of Surya Namaskar that you Probably Didn’t Know

SuryaNamaskar-Let the Power of the Universe flow within You

People assume that Surya Namaskar 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.

Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Jenifer Aniston, and several others swear by the miraculous benefits of Surya Namaskar. Here, in this post, you can find all about the numerous benefits of adding this reinvigorating asana to your morning routine.

What is the Surya Namaskar?

Also, known as “Sun Salutation,” it’s an ancient practice of expressing respect and gratitude to the Sun God. Without the Sun, there’s no life on Earth. Ancient rishis of India understood that the Solar Plexus, the central point of the body, located behind the navel, is the energy powerhouse of the human body.

With regular practice of the asanas of Surya Namaskar, the Solar Plexus is enhanced, thereby stimulating one’s decision-making skills, intuitive abilities, confidence, and creativity.

Take a look at the incredible benefits of practicing Surya Namaskar daily:

#1: Aids in Weight Loss

When done at a fast pace, Surya Namaskar is an excellent tool to lose weight. The postures help in stretching abdominal muscles, thereby providing you with a rigorous cardiovascular workout. It’s an efficient way to shed those extra kilos, especially around the belly. Also, it helps in improving metabolism, increasing the rate at which the body burns off calories.

#2: Enjoy Glowing Skin

Your skin feels tired and lackluster? Make Surya Namaskar a part of your morning routine. It helps in increasing blood circulation, providing your skin with an inner glow. It also helps in preventing wrinkles, crow feet, and acne, making you look radiant and ageless.

#3: Regulates Menstrual Cycles

Surya Namaskar is highly beneficial for women to regulate irregular periods and other hormonal imbalances. For pregnant women, daily practice of these postures helps in easy childbirth. However, pregnant women should follow Surya Namaskar only under expert guidance.

#4: Puts an End to Insomnia

Surya Namaskar helps in improving sleep patterns. The asanas help in calming your mind, providing you with a good night’s sleep.

#5: Regulates your Digestive System

Suffering from constipation, bloating and other digestive problems? Turn to Surya Namaskar. It helps in the smooth functioning of your digestive tract, by increasing the blood flow to your intestines and other vital organs. The forward bend posture expands your abdominal space, aiding in the release of trapped gasses from your body.

#6: Keep your Blood Sugar Levels in Check

According to experts, regular practice of Surya Namaskar helps in increasing insulin sensitivity, thereby controlling your blood sugar levels.

#7: Enjoy Rock-hard Abs

With daily practice of Surya Namaskar, your core muscles are strengthened providing you with great abs, that you can proudly flaunt. Apart from being a workout to your abs, Surya Namaskar helps in strengthening your muscles, joints, and ligaments as well as improving your overall posture.

#8: Detox your System

During Surya Namaskar, your body goes through an active inhalation and exhalation process, making your lungs energized and the oxygen levels in your blood increases. This helps in purging your system of accumulated carbon-dioxide and other toxic gases, providing you with a refreshing start to the day.

#9: Prevents Hair Fall

Hair fall is a chronic problem faced by men and women of all ages. The yoga postures like the mountain pose (Parvatasana) and the forward bending pose (Padhastasana) increase blood flow to your scalp and head. This helps in reducing hair fall and prevents premature graying of hair.

#10: Keep Anxiety at Bay

Surya Namaskar helps in regulating the functioning of the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid. It also helps in soothing your nervous system, thereby assisting you in getting of anxiety, panic attacks and reducing your stress levels.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about Surya Namaskar:

1. When can I do it?

You can practice Surya Namaskar at any time of the day. But, it’s recommended you do it at sunrise on an empty stomach, as this is the time when the sun’s rays revitalize and refresh you. However, there are several benefits of doing it at other times of the day. For instance, when practiced in the afternoons, it helps in overcoming the energy slack after lunch, while at dusk it enables you to unwind and calm down.

2. Is there a speed at which Surya Namaskar must be practiced?

Different speed variations have varying benefits.

Slow pace – Helps in improving flexibility and body posture
Medium pace – Helps in toning muscles
Fast pace – Makes for a rigorous cardiovascular workout, helping in weight loss

3. Why should women do Surya Namaskar?

It helps you achieve what months of dieting cannot do. It regulates hormone levels, thereby regulating menstrual cycles and preventing unnecessary weight gain.

4. Can Children do Surya Namaskar?

Of course yes. Children as young as five years old can practice the asanas of Surya Namaskar daily. It helps in improving concentration levels and helps in reducing anxiety, thereby alleviating exam fears. Additionally, it’s an excellent workout for growing muscles.

5. How many times to do Surya Namaskar?

Each set of Surya Namaskar has 12 asanas. As a beginner, you can start with 2 or 4 sets and work your way up. As your body becomes accustomed to it, aim for a minimum 12 sets of Surya Namaskar daily.

Wrapping it up

With each Inhale, Embrace the Power of the Sun’s Rays

Just like all other yoga asanas, it’s essential to learn Surya Namaskar, under the expert guidance of a trained yoga teacher, to reap the maximum benefits and to avoid unintentional injuries.