Sun Salutation - Surya Namaskar

Yoga and the Sun Salutation

Anyone who is interested in keeping fit and healthy would do well to learn about yoga and the sun salutation sequence, also known as Surya Namaskar. It has many mental and physical benefits and is an ideal sequence to start the day with, as regular practice will add some very noticeable benefits in a short space of time. The sun salutation has such a feel good message associated with it and it can help those who practice it regularly to perceive life in a more optimistic manner.

Yoga and the sun salutation together will provide benefits similar to that of meditation such as:

- increasing concentration
- increases serotonin which sends ?feel good? signals to the brain
- increases co-ordination of mind and body
- helps to reduce anxieties and stress and can even help to alleviate depression

Yoga and the sun salutation also

- Provides an excellent stretch to the muscles and also keeps them supple
- Increases blood oxygenation
- Helps to rid the body of damaging toxins, it will help the elimination channels to start processing after a night of no movement.
- Tones up abdominal organs and this helps to improve digestion and aid bowel movement
- Helps to increase flexibility to the spine and also to the waist
- Helps to tone up and stimulate the Endocrine system (especially the thyroid)

The sequences do vary slightly depending on the teacher who may be guiding you through the process but does include:

- Standing Posture: reinforcing the muscles governing the posture
- Swaying Tree: promoting a strong stretch in the chest
- Forward Bend: increases flexibility in the hamstrings
- Plank: works on the abdominal and back muscles, it also works at strengthening the upper body.
- Lowered Plank: strengthens the abdomen and lower back, also back of the arms and shoulders
- Cobra: Increases lower back flexibility
- Upward Facing Dog: improves mobility in the lower back and strengthens the arms, shoulders and chest
- Pose of the Child: works as a counter balance to the backward bending poses.
- Downward Facing Dog: works on the hamstrings and increases upper body strength, it also adds flexibility to the back and shoulders.
- Forward Bend:? Stretches the lower back but also uses the abdominal muscles.
- Swaying Tree
- Standing Posture.

Before starting, it is wise to learn yoga and the sun salutation thoroughly and take it steadily as it is an intensive series of movements that leads gracefully into the next posture. Take time to enjoy each of the movements of the sun salutation and you will soon start to experience some incredible benefits.