Almost everyone has heard of the sun salutation as a yoga classic. But what exactly is it all about? Why is it so popular and what exactly does it do for our body and mind?
What is the sun salutation?
The sun salutation, called Surya Namaskar in ancient Indian, is a fixed sequence of asanas, or yoga postures. As the name suggests, the sun salutation was traditionally performed in the morning at sunrise. When performing the sun salutation, the interplay of movement and breathing is very important. Thus, this yoga sequence is very suitable both as a warm-up before other exercises and as an exercise in its own right. Due to its energizing effect, it is great as a morning routine to start the new day full of verve and energy.
Effects of the Yoga sun salutation
The sun salutation has a variety of positive effects on your body and your well-being. It activates all muscle groups and gets your circulation going. In addition, the sun salutation releases tension, increases flexibility, and stretches the entire body, front and back. The combination of movement and breathing also helps you to be more concentrated and better able to focus on the here and now. Additionally, yoga sun salutations can prevent and counteract stress and facilitate inner peace.
Tips on how to do it
Tip 1: It is best to practice the sun salutation in the morning, directly after getting up and on an empty stomach. This way you can make the most of the positive aspects of this wonderful sequence of exercises.
In principle, the sun salutation is a yoga exercise that is suitable for both beginners and yoga professionals. As a beginner, however, you should make sure to first internalize the correct execution of each posture before focusing on the breathing.
Tip 2: Listen to your body and always perform the individual asanas within your own capabilities. Do not force yourself into postures that are not good for you or even hurt!
When breathing, it is important that your breath is deep, even, and in harmony with the individual postures. Basically, inhale during backbends and exhale during forward bends. When an asana is over, a breath should also be completed.
Tip 3: Find your own pace and breathing rhythm and feel free to try different variations.
For the yoga sun salutation, all you need is a quiet place, comfortable clothes, and ideally a yoga mat. Then you can start right away, try the yoga sun salutation yourself!