Surya Namaskara

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Rishis and the concept of Suryanamaskara was thus born. Reported benefits of

Suryanamaskara are immense like loosening of the spine, relief from backache,

and muscular tension, correcting bad posture and maintaining body balance.

Suryanamaskara also helps blood circulation and digestion which in turn

improves quality of your sleep. Prevention is always better than cure, so as

far as possible take all preventive measures to stop any disease visiting you.

Perform the 12 sequential positions as shown in the following illustrations

daily and reap the benefits of being healthy, energetic and happy.

Step 1: Stand in a position with your head straight and backbone held erect

keeping legs together. Palms held together (touching each other) near the

heart. Keep your eyes open and breathing normal. Be in this starting position

till your mind develops awareness of your body movements. Step 2: Without

lifting your feet stretch your hands together first upward and then your palms

facing the sky stretch your body backwards to the possible extent according to

your capacity without exerting any pressure. Keeping your eyes open tilt your

neck backward looking at the sky. Remain in this position at least for 30

seconds.

Step 3: Come back to the standing position and now without bending your knees

lean forward and try to touch your toes, and if possible, try to touch your

forehead on your knees. Keep your breathing normal and be in this position for

minimum of 30 seconds. Step 4: Follow the position as shown in the

illustration starting with right leg. Hold the balance of the body on both the

hands without bending the elbows. Hold your neck straight and keep the

breathing normal. Step 5: Take up the position as shown in the illustration

keeping your palms and soles touching the ground firmly. Step 6: In this

position as shown in the illustration

No. 6 elbows are kept closely held near your chest. The balance of the body

should rest on your elbows, forehead touching the ground, legs held together

and kept in position as shown above. This posture is called in yoga as

Ashtangasana. This posture systematically brings 8 limbs of the body in contact

with the Earth drawing energy from it. Step 7: This posture is called

Bhujangasana (Snake-position). The body is raised above the ground from the

waist and the torso is held backward resting the body balance on both the hands

(keep the elbows straight). Steps 8,9,10,11 and 12 are mere repetition of steps

1 to 5 to come back to the starting position of No.1. The cycle of 12 steps

completes 1 set of

Suryanamaskara. One can repeat the sets according to one’s capacity, age and

time. Suryanamaskara should be performed on empty stomach ideally early in the

morning. Suryanamaskara is a combination of many Yoga Asanas, yet it is not a

substitute for Yoga. It does not require external tools or big space. It does

not cost you any money. (But, done in a competitive spirit it could have

damaging effects on the body). People with certain health problems like High or

low B.P., or any other disorders should perform Suryanamaskara under the

guidance of the Doctor. If not done correctly it could also result in postural

defects. Benefits: Keeps your backbone like a spring. Body becomes

flexible. Keeps you active. Keeps all the aches and pains at bay. Yours

George Pillai http://rudraaksha.com

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