Hatha Yoga Sun Salutation - Surya Namaskara

What is Sun Salutation and why we practice it

Surya - the Sun, soul, source of all life
Namaskar - greening or salute

Sun Salutation originated in the Hatha Yoga tradition in the 9 century in India. Many variations are possible. Surya Namaskar is a series of postures (asanas in Sanskrit) linked together in a graceful flow. It can be a complete practice in and of itself or used to warm up and prepare the body before your yoga practice. In Ashtanga Yoga there are Sun Salutation A and B which are slightly different from Hatha yoga Sun Salutation. It is a beautiful greeting, but it was also meant to be a transformative experience to release the burden of our personal obsessions and just come back to the essence, The power of a Namaskar is in its refined simplicity; the combination of movements creates a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual syncopation. In ancient times people would practice Surya Namaskar at sunrise, facing the Sun in the East.

The Benefits of Sun Salutations:

• Increases blood circulation
• Boost energy
• Unwind the mind – find your center
• Find gratitude
• Creates more strength, flexibility, and tone to the body
• Opens and releases tension in the hamstrings, shoulders, and the chest
• Offers great release of tension on the spine as well as helps lengthen the spine
• Lubricates the joints
• Ensures Heart Health
• Great for the Lungs
• Boosts Immunity
• Becomes meditative through the motions - a prayer in motion
• Aids in weight loss
• Improves digestion
• Calms the nervous system
• Improves kidney function

Want to start with yoga? Free course for beginners here.