Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

Warms up and prepares the body for asana practice. Lubricates and increases the blood supply to the joints. Stretches and strengthens the whole body. Improves efficiency of the internal organs. Helps to detoxify the body. Stimulates pingala/surya nadi which increases energy and stimulates digestion. Increases the prana in the body and helps to remove energy blockages. Useful for weight loss when practiced as an exercise. Helps to balance the endocrine system. Beeja mantras strengthen the heart. The particular breathing sequence strengthens the lungs.

Asana name : Sun Salutation
Sanskrit name : Surya Namaskar
Meaning : Sun Salutation
Therapeutic Applications : Cardio exercise.
Anatomical Focus : Core
Anatomical Awareness : Focus on core abdominal region & chest.
Position : Standing.

In standing position join the palms together, thumbs at a 90 degree angle from the fingers, pressed against the sternum. Exhale while inhaling stretch the arms up, look up and gently bend backwards

Exhale bend forward from the hips coming into standing forward bend, try to place the palms on the floor and head toward the knees or shins.

Inhale step the left leg back into half cobra position, keeping the foot erect and resting the left knee on the floor. Push the hips down towards the ground and bend the neck back. Push the chest forward, opening the chest and pulling the shoulders back.

Try to bring the calf and thigh of the right leg close together. Hold the breath, bring the right leg back, joining the feet together, keeping the arms, legs and back straight in Plank Pose. Your feet should remain erect.