Surya Namaskar is said to have benefits on body, mind and intellect. If Surya Namaskar is practiced daily, it gives us physical and mental wellness along with sharp brain. This yogic asana is considered as a complete workout because almost all muscles in the body gets worked out and switched to active mode. In fact, it is believed that all muscles remain charged throughout the day and helps keep the body and mind active throughout.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

• Daily practice of Surya Namaskar helps keep the immune system boosted up and helps the person remain in perfect health.

• The breathing exercise provides more oxygen to the lungs making it healthy in turn. Each breath is deep and clear.

• It is also important that you think about the Sun God while doing Surya Namaskar. Concentrate on the steps of the asana, its sequence, and the action it provides to your different body parts and feel the stretch, stress and strain in your body.

• Gives real rest to your mind and there is no mental stress and strain.

• Makes you free from mental and emotional anxiety.

• It reduces body mass and is great for weight reduction as it burns lot of calories.

• It helps in restoring of health and strength of the person if this asana is done regularly.

• Surya Namaskar is the easiest way to make yoga practice in your life.

• It works wonders on digestive, cardiovascular systems and nervous system as well.

• It helps thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands to function properly.

• It helps you have good and sound sleep at night without taking any stimulants.

• You will feel fresh and relaxed after doing the 12 postures.

 
Precautions and Right way of Performing Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

• The best time for Surya Namaskar is early in the morning preferably right at the time of sunrise.

• Any person, above the age of eight can do Surya Namaskar irrespective of the gender.

• You should do this asana empty stomach and it should be at least five hours after your meal.

• Your aim should be to do the perfect posture at every step and follow the right sequence.

• Each movement is divided into parts and needs to be performed gracefully.

• There are twelve steps of Surya Namaskar and you should hold each step for five seconds. This speed is ideal and this will help you get progress in overall health and contentment.

• You will gain perfection in performing Surya Namaskar only after a long and consistent practice.

• If you feel that your breathing is extraordinarily heavy and fast, stop doing the asana immediately.

• If you are suffering from arthritis, heart attack, slip disc or you are a pregnant woman, take medical advice before starting Surya Namaskar.

• Do Shaw-asana or Yoga-Nidra asana for some time after doing Surya Namaskar.

When performing Surya Namaskar, you should keep in mind the mentioned safety measures and precautions. Although, this exercise is complete in itself and if performed properly and with full guidance, it does not give any injury. Still you should keep in mind that you will be able to attain perfection only when you practice it daily and consistently. You will feel the difference in your overall health, flexibility, energy level and a difference in your attitude as a whole.