MUSCAT: Omani citizen Aida Ahmed Saif Al Busaidi who has mastered the benefits of breathing techniques and sun salutations from yoga expert Dr Kavitha Ramakrishna has enunciated the benefits of the yoga repertoire surya namaskars (sun salutations).

Dr Kavitha, who is an expert practioneer of surya namaskar, taught Aida the intricacies of sun salutations, which is a series of 12 yoga poses done in a continuous flow while synchronising breathing with body movement.

Dr Kavita, who holds the record of performing 648 surya namaskars at a stretch, has inspired Aida to practice the yoga technique every day.

Speaking about her experience Aida said: “COVID-19 has brought attention around the world to many yoga practices that promote and sustain good exercise for mental and physical health. Practices such as surya namaskar or sun salutations have become especially relevant as COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that attacks lungs. Hence, along with meticulously practicing preventive measures like washing our hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing, we also need to work on practices that can keep the lungs healthy and strong. Sun salutations a dynamic combination of breathing and exercises gives us mental and physical benefits. Since we alternate forward and backward bending movements along with breathing while doing sun salutations, we enhance our oxygenation levels and boost our respiratory muscles. Practice of sun salutations also benefits muscles, ligaments and joints and increases suppleness of vertebral joints.”

She added, “I am thankful to Dr Kavitha for inspiring me to take up the practice of sun salutations. I have benefited immensely from her style of teaching. Since she is an expert I was able to master the technique quickly. This yoga practices have boosted my immunity and improved my metabolism too. I urge everyone to take up the practice of sun salutations. It is a great way to energize your body first thing in the morning. It is easy to do. Not only your lungs, digestive system, muscles and joints will benefit from practicing sun salutations, your cardiovascular health will benefit too.”

Dr Kavitha also presented Aida with her comprehensively researched book ‘Tamoghna’ which articulately explicates the science behind surya namaskar. The book traces the history of yogic philosophy, crux of yoga practice and deals specifically with vast benefits of surya namaskar. The book inspires yoga practice with a deeper understanding of the elaborate connection of mind, body and spirit.

Fastidiously grounded in yoga’s philosophical foundations, Dr Kavitha’s book Tamoghna balances applicable and relevant information on surya namaskara which is an important and dynamic techniques within the yogic repertoire. The book also focuses on the significance of performing sun salutation 108 times and how it can invigorate the body physically and hone the mind mentally.

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