Although Surya Namaskar was not regarded as an asana or a component of classical Yoga, it is now recognized as a component of contemporary yoga practices.

When Surya Namaskar is practised before starting daily tasks, the practitioner becomes more vital and has an entirely invigorated day. This amazing series of poses offers a comprehensive practice, including asanas and pranayama, as well as dynamic breathing patterns at each pose. A single cycle of Surya Namaskar practice consists of 24 steps and 12 postures.

Advantages of the Surya Namaskar

 Advantages on a physical and physiological level

● Frequent Surya Namaskar practice stimulates the internal organs and guarantees the healthy and effective operation of the body’s muscles and joints. Particularly the stomach and other abdominal organs, since they alternate between compression and stretching in the abdominal region.

● Along with enhancing intestinal peristalsis and boosting blood flow throughout the body, Surya Namaskar also massages and tones the kidneys to facilitate the easy removal of waste from the body and aids in the body’s detoxification process through increased sweating.

● Surya Namaskar boosts the immune system’s functioning.

● The benefits of Surya Namaskar conducted at different speeds indicated that fast tempo Surya Namaskar is more similar to aerobic training and contributes to enhanced muscular endurance and power. Surya Namaskar promotes mobility in practically all of the body’s joints.

● BMI, or body mass index, is a crucial indicator of muscle mass in the
body. The BMI of obese people is higher than usual. Surya Namaskar is one of the best exercises to get the highest level of physical fitness. A healthy lifestyle necessitates properly maintaining each person’s BMI and BMR. All it would take to do this would be to perform Surya Namaskar routinely.

Impacts on hormone-related processes

– Hormone imbalances are frequently linked to or cause imbalances in mental health, which is why they might present as diseases or syndromes like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and other conditions. Doing this excellent series of asanas regularly may tone and massage your endocrine glands. The brain centres and related nerve fibres that run throughout the body are stimulated by Surya Namaskar.

– It is emphasized that this series of asanas not only improves every physiological system in the body but also maintains equilibrium between the respiratory, circulatory, and endocrine systems, which aids in illness prevention and other related aspects. Since Yoga is described as the union of body, mind, and breath, it is generally advised to focus on a specific location or the breath when performing any asana.

Generally speaking, when an asana is performed on a region of the body that is implicated, the organ or gland in that specific place is stimulated to work better. It is said that Surya Namaskar stimulates every gland in the body, including the pituitary and adrenal glands.

Suggested daily Surya Namaskar practice

– Teens with healthy metabolisms are advised to do 12 to 24 rounds of Surya Namaskar, followed by Pranayama and Yoga Nidra (do Relaxation Practice).

These days, lifestyle diseases are common in middle-aged adults, and they are advised to undertake six to twelve rounds of Surya Namaskar, followed by yoga nidra, pranayama, and meditation. Elderly adults under 70 can perform Surya Namaskar as many rounds and postures as suit them, depending on their degree of comfort.

Managing ailments with Surya Namaskar

– The yogic management of numerous diseases, including ulcers, constipation (up to 12 rounds), malabsorption states (up to 10 rounds with full awareness of abdominal breath), tonsillitis, diabetes (up to 12 rounds in the fourth week of practice), hepatitis (3-6 rounds at sunrise), obesity, musculoskeletal system and joints (with specific prescriptions based on the disease condition), and menstrual disorders (to increase vital energy and to balance nervous & endocrine functions) have all benefited from the prescribed number of rounds of Surya Namaskar

– It is recommended that Surya Namaskar be done early in the morning, with the rising sun facing you. After practice, letting sweat dry on the body and relaxing in Shavasana enhances skin health and aids in treating skin conditions.