Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Surya Namaskara



The sun is venerated because it is the central source of energy in our solar system. Salutation to the Sun is a sequence of 12 asanas to draw peace, harmony and strength to the body. Synchronizing the breath with the movements of the body is very important. Each step flows into the next in a graceful and continuous movement and is performed facing the rising sun.

Surya Namaskar accords overall strength and flexibility to the body. The simple exercises fight aging and rejuvenates the entire body. They nurture the higher emotions of love, peace, compassion, bringing about a sense of harmony and well-being. While performing the steps, breath coordination and awareness of the chakras is required. These exercises should be performed early in the morning, exposing your body to the sun's rays. But if, for some reason, it cannot be performed in the morning you may do so in the evening on an empty stomach, in a well ventilated room.
Benefits of Surya Namaskar:

* Tones up the digestive system by the alternate stretching and compression of abdominal organs. It activates digestion and gets rid of constipation and dyspepsia.
* Strengthens abdominal muscles.
* Thoroughly ventilates the lungs, and oxygenates the blood.
* Acts as detoxifying agent, by getting rid of enormous quantity of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.
* Tones up the nervous system and improves memory.
* Promotes sleep and calms anxiety.
* Normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands - especially the thyroid gland.
* Refreshes the skin. Prevents Skin disorders.
* Improves muscle flexibility.
* In women, stimulates the breasts to help firmness normally. Restores any lost elasticity, through stimulation of glands and the strengthening of pectoral muscles.
* Suppresses menstrual irregularity and assists in easy childbirth.
* Prevents loss of hair and greying.
* Helps reduce fat.
* Reduces abnormal prominence of the Adam's apple.
* Eliminates unpleasant smells from the body.
* Lends grace and ease of movements to the body.
* Revives and maintains the spirit of youthfulness.
* Broadens chest and beautifies arms.
* Makes the spine and waist flexible.
* Produces health, strength, efficiency and longevity.

Who should not do Surya Namaskar?

* Pregnant women should not practice this after third month of pregnancy.
* Patients of Hernia and high blood pressure are warned against this practice.
* People suffering from back conditions should seek proper advice before commencing Surya Namaskar.
* Women should avoid Surya Namaskar during menses.
* It is considered as the best exercise for all ages. Surya Namaskar is the best way to burn the calories and reduce weight.

Surya Namaskara Video
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Introduction to Yoga

Introduction Yoga' means not only contemplation but also communion and yoking all powers of the body, mind and soul to God. It is a very ancient and efficient system of disciplines and controls designed to produce the integration of the body, mind and spirit. It also achieves higher states of awareness and self-realization by methodical efforts to attain perfection. The therapeutic benefits obtained by performing the asanas are well known. The circulation of the blood is improved; tensions can be removed, and a feeling of well-being is induced. The muscles are strengthened, nerves soothed and physical endurance is increased. One important aspect is that blood vessels and nerves for the internal organs are "massaged" by the twists and bending, ensuring proper functioning. Ageing bodies can have fewer aches and pains, stiffening of joints can be healed and depression alleviated. 1. Hatha Yoga Concerned, primarily with the body and the asanas. 2. Bhakti Yoga Path of love and devotion. 3. Mantra Yoga Recitation and repetition of words and verses. 4. Karma Yoga Service through action and work. 5. Jnana Yoga The intellectual path. 6. Raja Yoga Synthesis of Bhakti, Karma and Janan. 7. Laya Yoga The secret path, the 'Yoga of Dissolution'. What is Yoga? Yoga is a philosophy brought down diligently through the ages. And, it has acquired more significance now because of the “stressed out” way of life that we live in this fast paced world filled with pressure, anxiety and energy consuming routine. In ancient times, the seven stages of yoga consisted of : 1. Eyama – Good deeds 2. Niyama – Stoping bad habits 3. Asanas – 4. Pranayama – Breathing 5. Pratikaharan – Special diet 6. Dharana / Dyanam – Concentration 7. Samadhi – Submitting oneself to die What we are trying to do here is not drill into your head that it is some kind of an exercise that has to be done. IT is certainly not so because it is just not some form of an exercise or some form of a routine that has to be rigidly followed. It is more of a philosophy and it has to become a part of yourself as much as eating, brushing your teeth, combing your hair or even breathing. And, once it pervades your system there is no way that any thing can take its place. It becomes so much of a second nature to you that you find it difficult to even imagine that how you had lived without it for so long. And this, is no exaggeration – it is the pure and simple truth itself. Yoga Reduces heart beat Charges energy leading to less food requirement Reduces tension Leads to calm and composure Exercise Enhances heart beat Discharges energy leading to increased food requirement Increases tension Gives went to aggression