Benefits of Asanas:

1.SURYANAMASKAR
Suryanamaskar refers to sun salutations handed down from the enlightened stages of the Vedic Age. The sun symbolizes spiritual consciousness and in ancient times, it was worshipped on daily basis. In yoga the sun is represented by the pingala or the surya nadi, the pranic channel which carries the vital, life-giving force. This dynamic group of asanas is an effective way of loosening up, stretching, massaging and toning all the joints, muscles and internal organs of the body. Its versatility and application make it one of the most useful methods of inducing a healthy, vigorous and active life, while at the same time preparing for spiritual awakening and resulting in expansion of awareness. Suryanamaskara is a complete sadhana, spiritual practice, and moreover it includes asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation techniques. Suryanamaskara has direct vitalizing effect on the solar energy of the body which flows through pingala nadi. Regular practice regulates pingala nadi, whether it is under-active or over

active. Regulation of the pingala nadi leads to a balanced energy system at both mental and physical levels. Suryanamaskara is composed of three elements, form, energy and rhythm. The twelve asanas are the physical matrix around the form of the practice is woven. These asanas generate prana, the subtle energy which activates the psychic body. Their performance, in a steady, rhythmic sequence, reflects the rhythms of the universe; the 24 hrs of the day, 12 zodiac phases of the year and the biorhythms of the body. The application of this form and rhythm to the body/mind complex generates the transforming force which produces a fuller and more dynamic life. When one practices suryanamaskar, the benefits of all the twelve asanas are experienced. All the abdominal organs and stretched and digestion is improved. The arm and shoulder muscles, tones the spinal nerves, opens the lungs and removes excess weight. Eliminates and prevents stomach or abdominal ailments, improving digestion and removing constipation. Improves blood circulation and makes spine supple and tones the spinal nerves. State of concentration and calmness is achieved Spinal nerves are toned and circulation is stimulated especially in the upper spine, between the shoulder blades. The leg and arm muscles are get toned, expands the chest and exercises the region of the spine between the shoulder blades. Tones and massages the liver, reproductive organs, kidneys and adrenal glands At the spiritual level, activates and works on all the chakras. Suryanamaskar is ideally practiced before other asanas. Start with 3-12 rounds. In special cases, it can be practiced up to 108 rounds.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Suryanamaskar should be discontinued immediately if a fever, acute inflammation, boils or rashes occur. These may develop due to excess of toxins in the body; hence measures must be taken to eliminate them, and then resumed. Suryanamaskar must not be practiced by people suffering from high blood pressure, coronary artery diseases, those who have had a stroke, hernia, intestinal tuberculosis. People with bad back conditions should consult a medical expert before commencing the practice. Although some back conditions may be alleviated by this practice, conditions such as slipped disc and sciatica is better managed through alternative asana program. During the onset of menstruation, this practice should be avoided. During pregnancy it may be practiced with care with the help of the yoga expert.

General benefits: It stimulates and balances all the systems of the body, including the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. Its effect on the pineal gland and hypothalamus helps to prevent pineal degeneration and calcification. This balances the transition period between childhood and adolescence in growing children. One who practices surya namaskar with synchronizing the breath with the physical movements of suryanamaskar, at least for a few minutes daily, breathes deeply and rhythmically as possible. This removes carbon dioxide from the lungs and replaces it with fresh oxygen, increasing mental clarity by bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the brain. To conclude, suryanamaskar is the ideal practice to increase awareness and bestow good health and well being.