International Yoga Day: Treat your body and mind to the benefits of Surya Namaskar!

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has been prevalent since time immemorial. Known for its overall healing and meditative properties, it has slowly been embraced as a lifestyle by people across the globe.

Yoga can do what medication can't. It is not only curative, but also provides a sense of calmness within those who practice it.

It is a spiritual practice consisting of several asanas or positions that are mentally, physically and emotionally healing.

The origins of yoga have been speculated to date back to pre-Vedic Indian traditions and is also mentioned in the Rigveda.

International Yoga Day was adopted in the year 2015 and is celebrated annually on June 21, while it was declared as a unanimous decision by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014.

One of the most popular positions or asana of Yoga is the Surya Namaskar, which is a scientific technique combining twelve asanas in a sequence. Because of this, it is also known as a complete workout if repeated several times in one sitting.

Apart from being beneficial for one's overall health, the surya namaskar, or the sun salutation, offers numerous health benefits.

Therefore, today, on International Yoga Day, we have compiled a list that will help you understand why and how surya namaskar holds immense importance in our daily lives.

The continuous alternate stretching and compression of the abdominal organs gives your digestive system the required boost. Those who suffer from constipation, indigestion, or dyspepsia will find this asana incredibly effective if done regularly on an empty stomach.

The active inhalation and exhalation process required to perform the asana, ventilates the lungs thoroughly, while the blood remains oxygenated. It also helps you in getting rid of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases. 

Good mental health is extremely important and surya namaskar helps improve memory, as well as the nervous system. It soothes and calms you down. 

If your menstrual cycle is irregular, surya namaskar will help you get it back on track. Furthermore, it also promotes a healthy, easy and smooth childbirth.

This will probably catch your attention. Yes! Surya namaskar is incredibly effective when it comes to weight loss. It provides you with an excellent cardiovascular workout which helps you lose weight. The postures will stretch your abdominal muscles while helping you shed pounds around your belly.

Surya namaskar, if done regularly and correctly, will help you keep your youthfulness, even in your old age. It improves blood circulation that aids in bringing back the glow on your face; preventing the early onset of the signs of ageing, making your skin look ageless and radiant.

By Udita Madan