Surya Namaskar & Vinyasa Yoga Cautions & Alignment

Effects / Benefits

Full Practice On Its Own

One of the unique aspects of Surya Namaskar is that it is said to be a full practice on its own.

• Physically, the practice lengthens and strengthens many of the main muscles in the body.
• It affects the body, mind and soul, and experts deem it a “complete spiritual practice.”

BENEFITS BODY, MIND & SOUL

On the physical level, the benefits quickly become apparent as bodily functions improve. On the mental level, Surya Namaskar focuses the “grasshoper mind” and calms it. Spiritually, one acknowledges the Creative Force, by whatever name one uses for that. Surya Namaskar works to strengthen and balance body, mind and soul. – Janita Stenhouse

COMPLETE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Surya namaskara is a complete sadhana, spiritual practice, in itself for it includes asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation techniques. It is an excellent group of asanas with which to start morning practice. Surya namaskara has a direct vitalizing effect on the solar energy of the body which flows through pingala nadi. Regular practice of surya namaskara regulates pingala nadi, whether it is underactive or overactive. Regulation of pingala nadi leads to a balanced energy system at both mental and physical levels…

It strengthens the back and helps balance the metabolism. It stimulates and balances all the systems of the body, including the reproductive, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. Its influence on the endocrine glands helps to balance the transition period between childhood and adolescence in growing children. Synchronizing the breath with the physical movements of surya namaskara ensures that the practitioner, at least for a few minutes daily, breathes as deeply and rhythmically as possible, increasing mental clarity by bringing fresh, oxygenated blood to the brain. – Swami Satyananda Saraswati

BALANCE PRANIC FLOW & INFLUENCE MOOD

Surya namaskara is one of the most complete practices of hatha yoga. The primary intention of this series of poses is to awaken the energy of the sun that normally lies dormant at the navel center. Surya namaskara allows us to reach deep into our solar plexus and awaken and circulate the sun’s healing power to restore a radiant body and cultivate a clear, calm, and tranquil mind. With a couple of cycles of the sun salutation, you can fan your digestive fire, energize your nervous system, balance your pranic flow, activate both the lower and upper extremities, and influence your mood. – Pandit Rajmani Tigunait