Sun salutations sequence, whether you love it or hate it, the classical Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation sequence is an ancient system that experts have dated from 5000-8000 years ago. It works on every system in the body. In the classical sequence all movements are forward or back intending to bring the mind into the plane of the sun.
Sun Salutations energise the body, has a strong aerobic effect on the cardiovascular system, boosts the immune system and makes the whole body feel vibrant and alive. At the June mini retreat everyone succeeded in completing the 21 Sun Salutations Challenge to celebrate International Yoga day (21st June) and they did it as a team. It's Football World Cup frenzy at the moment and renowned footballer Pele said of teamwork: “I’m constantly being asked about individuals. The only way to win is as a team.” It was as a team that everyone made it through the challenge. Practise regularly to maintain health.
Here are some benefits of doing Surya Namaskar.
- The movement of the neck backwards and forwards stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, opens up the reptilian brain (survival/fight, flight or freeze) and expands the mammalian (emotional learning) brain.
- The flexion and extension of the chest stimulates the Thymus, which benefits immunity.
- The lower back is opened from the backbend and forward bend.
- The hip joint is opened in flexion and extension.
- The knees are strengthened through the use of the quadriceps muscles. In the classical sun salutes the knees are bent so you use the quadriceps to come up rather than coming up with straight legs which strains the back.
- It strengthens the shoulders without misaligning them and also strengthens the elbows and wrists.
