Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is a sequence of 12 different yogic postures which are performed with rhythmic breathing. It is performed as part of spiritual practice of reverential bowing down to the Sun, the source of life. Its origin lies in the worship of Surya, the Hindu solar deity. Only 35-40 per cent of our muscles are used in daily activities. The rest remain inactive. Surya Namaskar is a physical exercise where close to 95 per cent of the muscles are switched on to the active mode, and remain active for hours. It links together twelve asanas in a dynamic series, ordered so that they alternately stretch the spine backwards and forwards. One moves into each asana alternately on an inhalation and an exhalation (except for the fifth asana where the breath is held in suspension). A full round of Surya namaskara is considered to be two sets of the twelve poses with a change in the second set where the opposite leg moves first throughout the asanas. Proponents of the use of Surya namaskara as part of the modern yoga tradition prefer to perform it at sunrise, which the orthodox consider to be the most ‘spiritually favorable’ time of the day.BenefitsThe obvious advantage of Surya Namaskar is the workout it provides for the muscles. It also benefits joints, ligaments and the skeletal system by improving posture, flexibility and balance. It benefits the heart and stimulates the cardiovascular system. This form of yoga is good for the digestive and nervous system. It also benefits the Endocrine system and enables the various endocrinal glands to function properly. These include thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands as well as the adrenal gland, testes and ovaries. Apart from health benefits, it also has spiritual advantages. Surya Namaskar helps relax and rejuvenate as tension, stress and anxiety melt away while you perform the 12 asanas. If you suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances, you will find that practicing this aids in helping you fall asleep without the need for depressants. It helps reduces fat from almost all parts of the body and tones the muscles. Laziness will vanish as the body gets invigorated. And, lastly, this form of yoga helps remove the stiffness in the body and make it a lot more flexible.The only precaution that should be kept in mind is that women during their pregnancy and menstrual periods should avoid doing the Surya Namaskar.
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