9 Reasons Why You Should Perform Surya Namaskar Daily

Yoga is integral for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Daily yoga practice rejuvenates the body and reduces the risk of diseases. Experts recommend Suryanamaskar as a beneficial and accessible yoga practice that addresses various health issues and promotes vitality.

A regular yoga routine establishes a deeper connection between the body, breath, and consciousness. Suryanamaskar offers numerous benefits such as physical and mental strength, body control, balanced energy, peace of mind, and inner tranquility.

Would you like to learn more about the advantages of Suryanamaskar? Let's first explore the yoga poses involved in Suryanamaskar.

Also Read: 10 Yoga Poses: Transform Your Body and Mind with These Yoga Poses

What is Suryanamaskar?

Suryanamaskar, regarded as a highly commendable yoga asana, offers numerous advantages applicable to individuals of all genders and age groups, including children and older adults alike. By incorporating diverse yoga postures, Suryanamaskar facilitates a comprehensive workout for the entire body, resulting in enhanced physical well-being and heightened levels of energy through regular engagement.

Yoga poses of Suryanamaskar 

Suryanamaskar comprises a set of 12 unique yoga asanas. Let us see them.

1. Prayer pose – Pranamasana
2. Raised arms pose Hasta Uttanasana 
3. Hand to foot pose – Hasta Padasana
4. Equestrian pose – Ashwa Sanchalanasana
5. Stick pose – Dandasana, 
6. Salute with eight parts or points – Ashtanga Namaskara,
7. Cobra pose – Bhujangasana, 
8. Mountain pose – Parvatasana, 
9. Equestrian pose – Ashwa Sanchalanasana
10. Hand to foot pose – Hasta Padasana, 
11. Raised Arms Pose- Hasta Uttanasana
12. Standing Mountain pose – Tadasani 

Benefits of Suryanamaskar

Alleviate Insomnia

The prevalence of insomnia among individuals has become widespread. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar can provide relief from this issue. Surya Namaskar offers significant advantages to individuals suffering from insomnia by burning calories, reducing body fatigue, and promoting a calm mind. Consequently, this yoga practice facilitates sound sleep during the night.

Stress Reduction

Suryanamaskar holds immense benefits for mental health. It exerts a soothing effect on the nervous system, which proves beneficial in calming the mind. Through the practice of Suryanamaskar, oxygen flow within the body increases, resulting in enhanced brain cell activity and reduced mental stress. As a result, the mind experiences a state of stress-free tranquility.

Enhancement of Digestive Power

Suryanamaskar confers advantages to the digestive system by promoting its smooth functioning. By stimulating blood flow in the digestive system, this yoga sequence ensures the proper operation of the intestines. The forward postures, in particular, create internal stretches that increase abdominal space and aid in the elimination of trapped gases, thereby improving digestion.

Detoxification of the Body

The various poses in Suryanamaskar facilitate efficient inhalation and exhalation, effectively ventilating the lungs and supplying fresh oxygen to the blood for adequate oxygenation. This process aids in detoxifying the body by eliminating carbon dioxide and other toxic gases. As a result, the body experiences a purging effect.

Optimal Maintenance of Mental Health

The consistent practice of Suryanamaskar brings noticeable improvements to both physical and mental well-being. It enhances memory and supports the nervous system while promoting a sense of calmness and alleviating anxiety. Furthermore, Surya Namaskar regulates the activity of endocrine glands, rendering it particularly beneficial for individuals with thyroid issues.

Unlocking Flexibility 

Comprised of 12 asanas, Suryanamaskar exercises different parts of the body through a continuous sequence of movements. This practice enhances flexibility and strengthens various body areas. By incorporating Surya Namaskar into your daily routine, you can eliminate stiffness and experience increased flexibility.

Weight loss

For those tirelessly searching for weight loss methods, there is encouraging news. Embrace Surya Namaskar as an essential component of your daily routine as it is a complete workout to lose weight. In just a few days, you will notice improvements in your physical appearance, enabling you to achieve the desired level of fitness.

Suryanamaskar is particularly well-suited for busy individuals who often complain about time constraints preventing them from engaging in yoga practice.

Addresses menstrual issues

Regular practice of Suryanamaskar offers significant benefits for women with irregular menstrual cycles. It promotes the health of the lower abdomen, buttocks, uterus, and ovaries, effectively addressing menstrual irregularities at their source.

For health-conscious women, Suryanamaskar helps reduce excess calories and tone abdominal muscles through gentle stretching. Specific asanas within Suryanamaskar stimulate glands, such as the thyroid gland, promoting the secretion of hormones that aid in reducing abdominal fat. This practice has a notable impact on weight management. Additionally, regular Suryanamaskar practice alleviates menstrual irregularities, facilitates childbirth, rejuvenates the face, prevents wrinkles, and promotes a youthful and radiant appearance.

Enhances intuition

Consistent practice of Suryanamaskar and meditation leads to the expansion of the Manipura Chakra, also known as the second brain, from the size of an almond to the size of a palm. This development of the Manipura Chakra enhances intuition, clarity, and focus while preventing depression and negative tendencies.

Yoga experts emphasize regular Surya Namaskar practice due to its ability to promote physical well-being and a calm state of mind.

Who should avoid practicing Surya Namaskar?

1. Pregnant women should stop after the third month.
2. Individuals with hernia and high blood pressure are advised against it.
3. Seek proper advice if you have back pain before starting.
4. Women should abstain from it and other asanas during menstruation.

What is the science behind Surya Namaskar?

Merely knowing the technique is not enough; understanding the science behind this ancient practice is crucial. A good understanding of this powerful yogic method enhances perception and yields satisfying results.

In ancient India, different deities controlled different parts of the body, including the Manipura Chakra located behind the navel. Suryanamaskar practice develops this chakra, boosting creativity and intuition. This is why it was highly emphasized in ancient times.

Perform Suryanamaskar facing the rising sun in the east. The sunlight provides Vitamin D, strengthens bones, keeps skin healthy, and reduces mental stress.

Also Read: Easy Yoga poses to bring into your routine

Authored By: Poorvi Chhajer

About the Author: Poorvi is a psychology graduate with a knack for writing and a belief in Ayurveda.