Demystifying Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation - Part II: The Benefits
Sadhana (Sanskrit: साधन) is a Sanskrit term used to refer to a daily spiritual practice. Sadhana represents a disciplined surrendering of the ego, in which the practitioner uses tools such as asana, pranayama, meditation and chanting on a daily basis.
There are many claims about yoga. Amongst these claims we have found that yoga does in fact build body strength, increase flexibility, and can produce calming effects depending upon the yoga style. Of course regular practice or Sadhna is required to achieve these benefits, just as in any fitness routine. A student can expect these outcomes through yoga over time:
Strength
When you practice the Surya Namaskar series regularly it strengthens your muscles by using your body weight to balance within the postures. The asanas strengthen the musculoskeletal system while toning the abs, as you hold your body weight suspended as a form of natural resistance.
Each posture of the Surya Namaskar can strengthen the body. Legs, lower legs, and feet are used to balance between and within poses. The plank (Phalakasana, Dandasana) and downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana) positions strengthen the arms and the core abdominal muscles. Uttanasana strengthens the lower back.
Mental Well Being
It is well known that meditative breathing calms the body and the mind. A good practice uses the breath to achieve and move from one posture to another. The breath work performed calms the body by oxygenating the brain and the blood.
It is proven that some yoga postures have a relaxing impact on the brain when performed. Surya Namaskar poses like downward dog and cobra pose, on the other hand, gently stimulate the nerves, relieve anxiety, and activate the nervous system.
Flexibility
Surya Namaskar is a great way to stretch and strengthen your muscles, joints, and tendons, as well as your skeletal system. However, be careful to not push your body beyond its current level of flexibility and use props when you need that extra assistance to avoid causing injury.
Claims that require more than a daily yoga practice to achieve:
Although yoga can strengthen the heart muscles, be wary of claims that suggest it will solve all your blood pressure issues or that it is a cure for any heart condition.
Yoga does promote blood circulation, but be skeptical of claims that it will make your skin look younger and more vibrant. We all know sun exposure and diet can impact our skin.
As for the detoxification of the body, yes yoga can support the proper flow of fresh blood in the body, but it often takes more than yoga to “cleanse” the body of poisonous substances and carbon dioxide. Your diet and your environment may require more advanced detoxification rituals to achieve any true cleansing outcome.