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Why such a fuss about sun salutations? Is it hard core cardio or strengthening or muscle building routine? Go to any self respecting yoga studio and they will greet you with 'namaste' and crush you with intense rounds of sun salutations with dramatic variations. You can't imagine a yoga session without sun salutations.
Why are sun salutations so important and why does Yoga focus on SS so much ?
Sun has the power to bestow life. It is the source of life, energy and movement on earth. The solar plexus (a structure of nerves situated directly behind the navel) is considered to be connected directly to sun. Yoga texts claim that solar plexus is the seat of human emotions and this energy centre connects the lower chakras to higher ones. Sun salutations work directly on this structure. Regular practice can enhance it to 3 to 4 times. The larger its size, the greater is the mental stability and power of intuition in an individual. A healthy and clean solar plexus keeps the central nervous system in good condition.
Sun salutation is a set of 12 asanas performed chanting 12 names of the sun god. The 12 asanas generate prana, the cosmic energy which energises the subtle body.
Position 1 : Pranam asana (the prayer pose)
Position 2 : Hasta utthanasana (the raised arm pose)
Position 3: Padhastasana (the hands to feet pose)
Position 4: Ashwasanchalanasana (the equestrian pose)
Position 5: Dandasana (the planck pose)
Position 6: Ashtanga Namaskara (the eight-limbed bow)
Position 7: Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
Position 8: Adhomukhshwaanasana (downward facing dog)
Position 9: Ashwasanchalanasana (equestrian pose)
Position 10: Padahastasana (hands to feet pose)
Position 11: Hast autthanasana (the raised arm pose)
Position 12: Pranamasana (the prayer pose)
Other physical benefits:
1. It stimulates and balances all the systems of the body including reproductive, circulatory, respiratory and digestive system.
2. It strengthens the back and balances the metabolism.
3. It stretches, massages and tones all the muscles, joints and internal organs of the body.
4. When done at a fast pace it is an excellent cardiovascular workout to loose weight.
It can be done anytime provided the stomach is empty.
For more queries on sun salutation you can reach out to me at yogawithmansee@gmail.com