Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is one of the major forms of Hatha Yoga, but it is not all about it. Yoga is exactly what its name denotes. Saluting the sun has a process. The process is very profound and scientific for ages. There is a very strong connection between Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) and hatha yoga. These are two are not significantly different.
What is Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar?
Sun salutation is literally saluting the sun. When the sun is rising, its rays are extremely beneficial for our entire body. Many micro bacteria and germs that are harmful to the body are killed naturally by leaving our body healthy. The steps for this yoga are such that your whole body is stretched, relaxed, and is directly exposed to the sun. It is also recommended to wear loose cotton outfits while performing Surya namaskars.
What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga also has the literal meaning of its name. Ha is Sun and Tha is the moon. So the Hatha Yoga is aligning our body with sun and moon movements. These 2 factors from the universe, directly affect us and are present in us.
These are not some set of yoga asanas but are actually simple stretching exercises. These yogas, if practiced every day, will give you amazing results. You will know by yourself how well you are improving your lifestyle and body language.
With the right hatha yoga practice, you will also stay energetic throughout the day. Also, all the benefits of the yoga that you desire both physically and mentally, will be gained just within a month. Hatha yoga is a very basic and rooted science of the body. If you perform it daily, you will lead a healthy life.
How many steps do one set of Suryanamaskar or Sun Salutation have?
One set of Sun Salutation is of 12 simple steps. These are extremely simple to perform and you can practice is absolutely anywhere. You will need a space that is equivalent to your height. Just around 6 feet of vertical space would be enough.
For beginners, the steps are easy and simple. You will just need to follow the sequence and asanas properly. First follow the guide in person, or over online video. Gradually, you will learn and will perform the whole set perfectly.
You will feel relaxed and energetic throughout the day. You will also notice that your ability to work and to concentrate on a thing has drastically increased.
If you are a potato couch, sun-salutation will make you get out of your bed. There are many athletes who actually practice sun salutation when they wake up. All their muscle building is the result of sun salutation, largely.
How Many Sets of Suryanamaskar or Sun Salutation Should I Do?
Usually, you should do 13 sets of Sun-salutation. If 13 is not possible, you can do 5-6 sets. Just make sure to practice yoga with full intensity and concentration.
Depending on your purpose and goals, you can decide your number of sets. There is no standard minimum or maximum number for this yoga. There are people who do 100 sets of sun salutation in one go. Almost all the warriors used to practice Surya namaskars before beginning their day.
Sun Salutation is definitely very simple, but very often this simplicity makes the practice too casual. If you make the practice too casual, you will not be able to rip off a cent percent benefit from it.
Even if you perform the Surya namaskar like a layman, you will certainly receive some benefits, but not the way you would by doing it consciously.
Who Should Practice Sun Salutation?
It is the form of yoga that everyone could practice and everyone could equally benefit. For instance, if you are a kid, Sun salutation will help you boost your concentration and energy. If you are a lady, all your menstrual problems will come down drastically with sun salutations. If you are an adult man, you will stay healthy and fit.
If you are old age, you will feel younger and enthusiastic. So, the Surya namaskar is for all. Everyone could practice as many times as they want.
Should Surya Namaskar be Practiced During Sunrise and Sunset only?
The best time to practice Surya namaskar is during sunrise. This is the period when there the natural environment is ready for you. The oxygen level in the air is at a peak and hence you will feel fresh while doing the yoga asanas.
However, if sunrise hours are not in favor, you can practice yoga at any time of the day. Sun salutation must be practiced on an empty stomach. At least for 2 hours, your stomach must be empty.
Benefits of Suryanamaskar or Sun Salutation
Improves Blood Circulation
Sun salutation makes the blood circulation right. You will thus feel very energetic throughout the day. Also, your sleep requirement will noticeably come down.
Removes the Muscle Cramps
There is a possibility that your body is not positioned right while in sleep. And this leads to obscure pain. With Sun salutation, such cramps are removed and your muscles are strengthened naturally.
Relaxes the Entire Body
The stretches that this set of yoga includes, is designed to relax your body. You will feel very relaxed and confident. Your body posture will also improve.
Helps in Pacifying the Menstrual Problems
With Surya Namaskar, your menstrual problems like stomach cramps or bleeding problems will be decreased down. This helps in balancing your hormones too.
Is Sun Salutation Hatha Yoga?
Yes, it is a part of Hatha Yoga. Sun itself is “Ha”, so it is directly 50% part of the hatha yoga in its name itself! Not literally, though. It is greatly a part of hatha yoga. But hatha yoga has more asanas and practices to it.
Bottom Line
Sun salutation has many benefits. You will stay fit and healthy just by practicing this one set of yoga. There are also the breathing techniques while performing these sets, that you will learn with your instructor. Do let us know in the comments below if you have any queries related to sun salutation.