Holistic Asanas

CHARU AGARWAL, a practitioner of Ashtanga yoga, describes the numerous benefits of the dozen steps of Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar, or salutation to the sun, is an important yogic practice that dates back to the vedic period when the sun was worshipped as a powerful symbol of health and immortal life. From its origins, surya namaskar has developed into a
graceful sequence of 12 postures performed
as a continuous exercise.

In today’s fastpaced lifestyle, with everyone on the lookout for an exercise routine that is holistic yet not too time-intensive, surya namaskar provides the perfect answer. Consider its benefits:

The regular practice of surya namaskar can be easily integrated into our daily life and requires only 10-15 minutes of practice to obtain beneficial results. It can be performed at any time with a suitable gap from major meals, though early morning practice is ideal. Moreover, it is easy to perform anywhere, but is best done out in the open, facing the rising sun. 

It can be safely and easily performed by anyone except by those suffering from certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart ailments, asthma, cervical spondylitis, slipped disc, backache and osteoporosis.

It is an enjoyable dynamic exercise, which the entire family can do together and has the potential to become a daily ritual for family bonding. In fact, it is ideal for harnessing and channelling the energy of growing children.

Surya namaskar is a complete practice that works on mind, body and soul. It is a scientifically
designed yogic sequence containing asanas, pranayama and meditational techniques, thereby
working not only on the physical level but also at deeper, subtler levels of individual consciousness.

Surya namaskar is both preventive as well as therapeutic. It provides a preventive function by
maintaining optimum wellbeing combating stressors of modern life. Swami Satyananda Sarawati says, “Surya namaskar has healing properties as it facilitates rearrangement of distorted energies that lead to physical,
mental or nervous breakdown.”

The practice is extremely malleable and can be adapted to match the varying moods and needs
of the practitioner. For instance, a fastpaced morning workout provides the energy boost needed to kickstart your day, but a slower rhythm
could fulfil the need for restoration and destressing in the evening.

Physically, surya namaskar is matchless in its ability to comprehensively and systematically exercise the entire body, quickly. It keeps the spine supple and flexible, stretches and tones countless muscles, regulates hormones, massages the internal organs, thereby improving digestion, circulation, respiration and elimination. It tones your nerves, clears up the skin and makes your body leaner to name just a few of its countless benefits. Surya namaskar also promotes longevity and is antiaging.

Psychologically, surya namaskar balances our emotions and removes negativity. It helps to destress by allaying anxiety, fear and inducing
peace of mind, mental balance, calmness and hope. It also makes the memory sharper,works
as an antidepressant and sets you thinking positively. 

Surya namaskar gradually brings about a spiritual transformation — the 12 yogic postures are woven together in such a manner so as to generate prana, subtle energy, which purifies and rejuvenates the practitioner. In fact, just like all other yogic practices, surya namaskar, too, was devised with the aim of enabling spiritual awakening. When performed mindfully and with
breath-awareness, surya namaskar becomes a ‘meditation in motion’. In fact, when combined
with chakra visualisation and mantra chanting, its effects are further magnified making it a powerful tool for bringing about a profound, yet safe spiritual growth.

As in any area of our lives, where we desire personal transformation, self-effort and discipline
are certainly needed to unlock all the benefits of surya namaskar. But the investment is well worth it — try it yourself and feel the difference
in your life.