Surya Namaskar is made up of eight asanas weaved into a 12-step sequence for each side, right and left. Here are some of the advantages of doing Surya namaskar on International Yoga Day.
Surya Namaskar is a salute to the Sun practised in yoga that expresses thanks and love for the life-giving energy it offers. The sun is a symbol of vitality, power, and energy. The Surya Namaskar is performed with the right leg first because the Surya Nadi, or Sun Channel, flows along the right side. The Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar, is best done first thing in the morning, before sunlight. Many advantages include increased physical and mental power, improved body control, mental peace, and balanced energies.
Surya Namaskar is a strong practise for increasing your awareness. It develops awareness by developing a stronger link between the body, breath, and consciousness with frequent practise. As a beginner, start with 5 cycles per day and gradually advance to 11 cycles each day.
Technique
Surya Namaskar is made up of eight asanas weaved into a 12-step sequence for each side, right and left. You must begin with the right side when performing Surya Namaskar. When both sides are covered, a whole cycle is completed, and this is made up of 24 counts. Each asana is assigned a distinct breath, which must be followed throughout the sun salutation’s 24 stages.
Steps to perform Surya Namaskar
Pranam Asana (The Prayer pose)
Hastha Utanasana (Raised arm pose)
Padahastasana (Standing forward bend)
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
Santholanasana (Plank Pose)
Ashtanga Namaskar Asana (Eight limbed salutation)
Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward dog pose)
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
Padahastasana (Standing forward bend)
Hastha Uthanasana
Pranam Asana
(Repeat the 12 steps to the other side and start with the Left leg to complete one full cycle)
Hope this helps!