Sun-Salutations and Boosting Immunity
Surya Namaskar (SN) or Sun Salutation is a series of 10 or 12 poses in a continuous flow, synchronizing breathing with body movement. If you practice only a little yoga each day, practice sun salutations. For people with limited time, sun salutations benefit most muscles and joints.
Video of Sun Salutations (practice with caution for anyone with health conditions): https://youtu.be/rcLOL90OFrA
Benefits of Sun Salutations:
Sun Salutations
One of the best energization techniques, Sun Salutation (SN) is a practice of stimulation and relaxation that emphasizes breath and body awareness.
Yoga, especially SN, brings about a balance within the stress and relaxation response of the human body (sympathetic/parasympathetic control).
SN is a very effective cardiovascular endurance training exercise and can be used effectively to increase muscle strength and general body endurance.
The alternate expansion and contraction of the chest during SN postures helps in regulating and deepening respiration through the practice.
The cyclical practice of yogic postures in SN helps to loosen up joints and muscles in a short period of time.
Abdominal Organs are alternately stretched and compressed during SN postures. This ensures proper organ stimulation and functioning.
SN also improves spinal flexibility and results in improved immunity.
Research Studies
1. Effect of Pranayama and Suryanamaskar on Pulmonary Functions in Medical Students (Karthik, et al, J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Dec; 8) showed that there is a statistically significant increase in all the above mentioned pulmonary functions following yoga training.
2. Evidence showed that 24 cycles of sun salutation, 6 days a week for 24 weeks produced statistically significant improvement in muscle strength and general body endurance in male and female subjects (Bhuktar, et. al, Asian J Sports Med. 2011 Dec; 2)