Yoga is an ancient practice originating in ancient India as a means of stilling the mind. While practised worldwide, yoga practices have strong links with Buddhism and Hinduism.
Surya Namaskar, or sun salutation as it is better known in the western world, has enormous benefits to mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
The sun salutation practice includes a variety of poses, or asanas, allowing for an entire body experience stretch, and that’s just one of the positive elements of this brilliant practice.
The inclusion of sun salutation in your daily routine has the ability to change your life in a variety of different ways. Read on to discover five surprising benefits of the sun salutations in yoga.
5. Improves flexibility ‒ see your body change in ways you didn’t think possible
A Surya Namaskar yoga session, when used as a staple routine in your daily life, has the ability to improve flexibility and overall body endurance for the practitioner.
The entire body is utilised when engaging in a salutation session, making it a perfect aerobic exercise to practice. We especially think that the regular practice of shifting from cobra pose to downward-facing dog stretches shoulders and upper body muscles in the most effective of ways.
It lubricates stiff joints, releases spinal tension, and generally opens up the body more. We urge you to try it and discover the benefits of the sun salutations for yourself. We promise you will not be disappointed.
4. Boosts absorption of nutrients immune system ‒ one of the surprising benefits of the sun salutations
Some earlier studies show that engaging in a regular sun salutation practice improves the body’s digestion system and blood circulation, allowing for an overall improved immune system. This contributes to the better absorption of nutrients.
The better absorption of nutrients allows for more energetic benefits and a healthier and happier life as a whole. Improved digestion also means that sun salutations serve as a prevention of constipation.
Incorporating a staple routine of sun salutations will ensure a much healthier life overall. Is this vibrant yogic flow sounding more and more appealing to you?
3. Assists in pregnancy and menstrual struggles ‒ an aid for morning sickness and menstruation pain
People who have endured menstrual disorders or morning sickness during pregnancy will know that menstrual pain and pregnancy is no walk in the park. However, studies show that a regular Surya Namaskar routine can help relieve pain and nausea related to periods and pregnancy.
It is also said to improve nutrients in breast milk due to the fact that the exercise boosts the overall absorption of nutrients in the body. Other studies state that regular practice of sun salutation can also aid in a less painful childbirth process overall.
We bet you didn’t know that some of the major benefits of the sun salutation concern menstruation and pregnancy. This routine really has some unexpected benefits, and we are here for them.
2. A centering routine to aid in emotional stability ‒ a way to release stress and discover your inner peace
Yoga itself can be used as a form of moving meditation. Many people that are actively practising within the yogi community set intentions each and every time they plant their feet on the mat.
This time allows the practitioner to focus on the self within, releasing the stresses of the world around them and just being present in the moment of self.
The flow of Surya Namaskar, in particular, allows for a more grounded experience. It allows for a complete mental detox, which is well needed in such a busy world.
1. Weight loss and muscle gain ‒ a great routine whatever pace you go at
These yoga exercises are phenomenal for the body, whether done fast or slow. You can reap huge physical benefits across your entire body from daily practice of the Surya Namaskar.
While the slow movement is excellent for muscle gain, going at a rapid pace provides a great cardiovascular workout, ideal for losing weight and body fat.
As well as this, the energetic benefits of the sun salutations genuinely speak for themselves. Whether you are in the neutral position or the plank position, you are guaranteed to be getting some form of workout, provided you are making the routine a regular part of your day-to-day life.
In conclusion, there are many wondrous benefits of the sun salutations in yoga. There really is no downfall to consistent practice.
Whether you’re looking to improve your flexibility or looking to find a way to add more stability to your life, Surya Namaskar is an excellent set of poses to add to your day.
Notable mentions
The above are only some of the fantastic benefits that come with incorporating sun salutations into your daily yoga routine. A few more benefits include:
- Brighter, fresher skin
- Increased focus
- Increased energy, physical fitness, and body strength
- A way to find inner peace and reduce mental stress
- Tension release
FAQs about the benefits of the sun salutations
What are sun salutations?
Sun salutations, or Surya Namaskar, are a combination of yoga poses or asanas. The combination is a flow of twelve asanas, which completes the whole round of Surya Namaskar.
How many sun salutation repetitions should you do?
It is a general suggestion to do between six and twelve cycles of sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) a day. However, it is advised that beginners to this practice should aim to start at four to six cycles of sun salutation, gradually building up as you grow stronger in your practice.
Why should you practice sun salutations?
There are endless benefits to practising sun salutations on a daily basis. Benefits include better digestion, better blood flow, stabilised blood pressure, increased flexibility, better skin quality, and better absorption of nutrients, to name but a few of the incredible benefits.