Foundation of Yoga | Asanas of Surya Namaskar | Sun Salutations Poses

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• Correct alignment of Suryanamaskar

In addition to promoting good health, practicing Asanas of Surya Namaskar or Sun salutations poses is also a way to thank the sun for sustaining life on this planet. In the mid 1930s, Surya Namaskar (or the Sun Salute) made its way into yoga. Prior to this, it had become increasingly popular as a form of exercise that was supposed to stretch and strengthen every muscle and joint in the body - a perfect workout. 

Bhavanarao Pant Pratinidhi refined and popularized the exercise in the 1920s. Introducing Surya Namaskars (Sun Adoration) for Health, Efficiency, and Longevity in 1928. Pratinidhi himself is shown demonstrating the series of positions in the picture above, taken from his book. Movements were always synchronized with the breath; they were never static asanas. 

In 1938, Pratinidhi wrote another short book, The Ten-Point Way to Health, in which Surya Namaskar took center stage. These are the illustrations from that book, numbered 1-10. Position #4 differs from the earlier version. The position is originally a push-up or a plank. In the later book, it is pictured as position #7, like Downward-Facing Dog.

During this time, Surya Namaskar began to bleed together with yoga asana practice, particularly in Mysore where Krishnamacharya taught. Krishnamacharya was teaching yoga in the early 1930s, while another instructor-led a Physical Instruction Class where students performed Surya Namaskar. The two practices were not merged until later.

Today, there is a lot of debate about what constitutes an "authentic" Surya Namaskar and who is right. Teachers often developed unique versions of Surya Namaskar as they developed their own systems of physical yoga.

As an example, consider Ashtanga Vinyasa, which consists of two Surya Namaskars, neither of which is identical to Pratinidhi's, but rewritten in a more athletic way. Krishnamacharya either taught Pattabhi Jois these or he developed them on his own.

WHICH LEG STEPS?

Whenever one leg steps back and then forward during Surya Namaskar (as opposed to jumping back with both legs at the same time), the question frequently arises: Which leg steps back, and do you step forward with the same leg or another?

In all three sequences pictured above, the same leg is bent in the backward and forward steps. The right leg (pictured at left, #5) straightens when the right leg is stepped back with the right leg (as shown in Dr. Das's illustration). On the second page, the left leg takes the step forward again, leaving the right leg straight (pictured right, #6). On the step forward, many practitioners switch legs to even out their legs.

If we look at Pratinidhi's original sequence at the top, he does the same thing with his step-backs and steps-forwards. The left leg stays straight in both cases. It is clear, however, that Surya Namaskar is to be repeated many times, with the legs alternated with each repetition. Surya Namaskar only causes problems if practiced once.

Sadhguru Quotes: 

“Generally, people understand Surya Namaskar as an exercise: it strengthens your back, your muscles, etc. Yes, it definitely does do all that and more. It is quite a complete workout for the physical system – a comprehensive exercise form without any need for equipment. But above all, it is an important tool that empowers human beings to break free from the compulsive cycles and patterns of their lives.”

Benefits of Surya Namaskar:

1) Reduces weight

2) Enhances muscle and joint strength

3) Brightens the complexion

4) Enhances digestion

5) Prevents insomnia

6) Regularizes menstruation

7) Treats frozen shoulders

8) Stretches the spine and abdomen

9) Massages internal organs

10) Increases hip flexibility

11) Activates the Manipura Chakra

12) Enhances nervous system balance

13) Reduces blood sugar levels

14) Reduces stress levels

15) Tone the whole body

16) Reduces constipation and improves digestion

17) Prevents stomach ailments

18) Balances the body's left and right sides

Take this course and improve your health tips. Yoga helps develop the body and mind, but it does not replace medical care. Under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher, you should learn and practice yoga. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga only after consulting your doctor.

It burns approximately 13.90 calories per round of Surya Namaskar, making 12 the magic number to lose weight using Surya Namaskar. You can start with 5 sets and gradually increase it up to 12 with time, which will help you lose 416 calories.