Surya Namaskar: Step-by-Step Guide and Benefits of Sun Salutation

What is Surya Namaskar? 

In Sanskrit, surya means sun and namaskar means greeting or salutation. Surya Namaskar is then a greeting to the sun! It is an ancient ritual of twelve steps that warms up the body preparing it for yoga practice. That is why it is practiced at the beginning of a yoga class. This warming sequence has a rich history and holistic benefits for the body and mind. Read more to find out about this widely known and ancient yoga practice! 

Surya Namaskar Kriya 

Kriyā is a Sanskrit term. It is derived from the Sanskrit root, kri, meaning "to do''. Kriyā means "action, deed, effort". The correct way to refer to Sun Salutations, is to call it a kriya. Surya Namaskara is an action consisting of 12 steps. Unlike popular belief, it is not a series of asanas!  Surya Namaskara Kriya is linked to engaging the solar plexus to raise solar energy within the body and to solar energy itself. 

The Purpose of Surya Namaskar 

Performing asanas in the rays of the sunrise sounds beautiful and inviting but what really are the reasons why we should practice Surya Namaskar? 

Surya Namaskar comprises 12 steps that are purposefully woven together to benefit mind and body in various ways. Surya Namaskar is a practice in itself as well as a warming-up before performing further yoga asanas. It allows for “opening” of the body as it stretches, strengthens and lengthens all muscle groups. Surya Namaskar stimulates prana, life force energy through the body helping to regulate our mental and physical faculties.   

Read more: 5 Reasons You Should Never Skip Sun Salutations

The Mythology and Tradition Behind Surya Namaskar 

In the Vedas, everything in the universe has a male and female side. The female side of the sun is nourishing and life-giving and in Hindu mythology depicted as Gayatri. The male side of the sun is invigorating, energy giving and activating, and in Hindu mythology depicted as Surya.  

Gayatri can be likened to yin energy and Surya to yang energy. In Sun Salutations our purpose is to warm-up and invigorate the body for the following asana practice.  

Opposite to common belief, Surya Namaskara Kriya is practised facing away from the rising sun. The purpose is to receive the stimulating and heating sun on your spine, as you warm up the body with Sun Salutations. Traditionally, one would greet the rising sun with a deep bow and prayer and then turn away from the rising sun to receive energy on the backside of the body.  

As Surya gave life to the world through his powerful energy; heat energy energizes the body through the practice of Surya Namaskar. 

The Benefits of Surya Namaskar 

There are various studies emerging on the investigations of Surya Namaskar and yoga as having physical and mental health benefits. As Western and Eastern medical systems merge, the energetic benefits of Surya Namaskara also emerge. Here we look at some of these benefits and the connection between Surya Namaskar and the chakras.  

Learn more about our 7 Chakras - The Complete Guide to the Energy Centers and their Effects

Physical Health Benefits  

Although Surya Namaskar can be practiced at any time of the day, it is best to practice at sunrise as sun rays can help revitalize the body & the mind. Surya Namaskar can be done in a 3-speed variation– slow, medium or fast pace. A slowed pace helps increase body flexibility, and a medium pace helps in muscle toning. Fast-paced rounds of Surya Namaskar are beneficial to one’s cardiovascular health and can aid in weight loss.  

Surya Namaskar helps improve blood circulation and strengthen heart function. It also enhances the resting cardiovascular parameters such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. 

Surya Namaskar stimulates a rhythmic breathing process as breath is synchronized with each movement. This empties the lungs more vigorously and there is an opportunity for more oxygenated air to refill them.  

More alveoli of the lungs are expanded, stimulated and then cleansed. Alveoli are a crucial part of the respiratory system associated with breathing. Alveoli are tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs. Their function is to move oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules into and out of the bloodstream. 

Through the rhythmic breathing of Surya Namaskara, the oxygen content of the blood is increased. This improves oxygenation of the body, especially the heart, and brain. The cardiac muscles also improve through this rhythmic breathing and movement.   

Surya Namaskar is also beneficial for digestive health and other systems of the body as the practice of Surya Namaskar interacts with the organs of the body directly, by applying pressure, massaging, stretching and overall toning up the muscles. This aids the elimination processes of the body.  

Mental Health Benefits

The practice has mental health benefits. Consistent practice of Surya Namaskar sharpens one’s ability to focus, improves self-confidence, and helps to develop self-discipline. It calms the nervous system and its consistent practice can contribute to managing anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 

Going Fast or Slow? What Pace to Choose for Surya Namaskar 

Surya Namaskar performed at a slow pace 

The slow Surya Namaskar practice is said to have a meditative effect if the breath and mind are kept in harmony. Slow paced Surya Namaskar also is beneficial in strengthening muscles and also improves the functioning of internal organs. Slow paced Surya Namaskar also helps control diastolic blood pressure. Beginners benefit greatly from a slow-paced practice as their breathing, bodily alignment and technique, and breathing coordination of each step can be focussed on.  

Surya Namaskar performed at an intermediate pace 

When Surya Namaskar is done at a medium pace, its effects are similar to those of aerobics with increased muscular endurance and power. A slightly faster set of 3 to 12 rounds should be done for the physical benefits. Beginners should start with 2-4 rounds at a faster pace and should add an extra round after every few days or every week to avoid exertion. 

Surya Namaskar performed at a fast pace 

Faster rounds of Surya Namaskar are considered as a cardiovascular workout. It helps burn excess fat from the body. Faster rounds of Surya Namaskar are considered very good as a warm-up exercise. More experienced practitioners would benefit from a faster pace as they have experience in focusing on their breathing, bodily alignment and technique, and breathing coordination of each step.  

How Many Rounds, How Long? Best Duration of Surya Namaskar 

The number of rounds to do depends on various individual factors. It depends on your current level of fitness, if any injuries or ailments are present and your level of technique. It is best to go slow, get comfortable with the steps syncing breath to movement with five to six rounds. As you build more strength and endurance, you can move to six rounds. Classically in Hatha Yoga, nine rounds of Surya Namaskar are used to warm up the body. 

If you have high blood pressure, hernia, or coronary artery diseases or any wrist, shoulder, lower back injuries, you are advised to practice a modified version of Surya Namaskar found further below called the Easy Classical Surya Namaskara. Those with spine and back problems should consult a doctor before practicing Surya Namaskar. Thereafter variations should be sought from a qualified, and capable teacher. 

Classical Versus Modern Practice of Sun Salutations 

Classical Surya Namaskara (Hatha Yoga tradition)

Cues for Teachers - How to Teach Classical Surya Namaskar (Hatha Yoga) 

It is highly recommended to start every practice of yoga asana with Surya Namaskara since it is an excellent general warm-up exercise consisting of 12 poses for the spine. Sun Salutation is a sequence of exercises for the spine which gives flexibility to the spine and the other limbs of the body. Since it improves the overall flexibility of the body, Sun Salutation is very healing for anyone, but especially for the elderly and for people who are very stiff. Sun Salutation is not an asana, but a sequence of calm and fluent movements, coordinated with the breath. The purpose of the Sun Salutation is to warm up the spine and to improve the body's energy. During Sun Salutation, you use hundreds of muscles, regulate the breathing and centre your thoughts.  

Basic instructions 

Starting position: Stand straight, with spine erect and shoulders relaxed. Your feet are hip-width apart. Your knees are straight but not hyper-extended; your arms are relaxed next to your body. 

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms by your side. Breathe in and out, hands in front of the chest

- Shoulders and elbows are relaxed

- Knees are straight but relaxed

- Back of your neck is long

- Reach up with the crown of your head toward the ceiling

2. Breathe in and reach with your arms—up and backward 

- Your arms are alongside your ears

- Look diagonally upward, do not drop your head back

- Knees are straight, hips pushing slightly forward

3. Breathe out and bend forward, placing your palms on the floor, outside of your feet

- If you cannot place your palms on the floor with your knees straight, you can bend your knees slightly

- Reach with your nose toward your knees

4. Keeping your hands there, inhale and bring your right leg back as far as possible

- Place your right knee on the floor and point your right foot 

- Push the pelvis forward, without losing the 90-degree angle of your left knee 

- Open your chest, look diagonally upward while the palms remain on the floor.

5. Hold the breath and bring your left leg back 

- Your body is in a straight line from your head to your heels (push-up position)

6. Breathe out and drop your knees, chest, and forehead to the floor 

- Without moving your body backward, bring your chest down to the floor between your hand and then bring your forehead to the floor

- Knees, chest and forehead are touching the floor but the hips are off the floor 

7. Breathe in and scoop up, looking up 

- Open your chest and look up and back without dropping the head

- Legs remain on the floor, feet are pointed

- Do not move your hands as you come into this position

- Elbows are slightly bent, tucked in toward your body, and your shoulders are pushing down

8.  Breathe out, curl your toes and push the hips up

- Without moving your hands or feet, push your hips toward the ceiling

- Your hands are flat on the floor; heels can be slightly lifted off the floor. Your head is between your arms. Now, look at your feet, trying to bring your chest to your knees

– This pose is also known as the ‘Inverted V Pose’ 

9. Breathe in and bring the right foot forward in between your hands 

– Keep your fingers and toes in one line

– Drop your left knee to the floor, point your left foot, and push your pelvis forward and toward your right heel

– Look diagonally upward—the same as in Position 4

10. Breathe out, and keeping your hands where they are, curl the toes of your left foot and step your left foot forward, next to your right foot 

– Nose in between your knees, hands holding your ankles

– Keep the knees straight 

        11. Breath in and reach with your hands out and upward 

- Arch backward—the same as in Position 2. 

        12. Bring your palms down in front of your chest, then return to the beginning position

- Breathe out, palms together in front of your chest. 

This completes half a round. Repeat to the left (left leg stepping first back and forward) to complete one full round of Sun Salutation. Perform 6 – 8 rounds, then rest in Corpse Pose. 

Easy Classical Surya Namaskara  

Basic Instructions 

Starting position: Stand straight, with your spine erect and shoulders relaxed. Your feet are shoulder-width apart. Your knees are straight but not hyper-extended. Your arms are relaxed next to your body.  

1.  Breathe in and out, bringing your palms together in front of your chest. Shoulders and elbows are relaxed. Knees are straight but relaxed. Back of your neck is long. Reach up with the crown of your head toward the ceiling.

2.  Breathe in and reach your arms up toward the ceiling. Your arms are alongside your ears. Look straight forward, with the back of your neck elongated. Keep your spine’s natural curve. Do not arch your lower back or tuck your tailbone under. The following variation of the Sun Salutation can be done and applied by anyone with restricted movement, whether from injury or a chronic condition, old age or pregnancy.

3.  Breathe out, reach forward and out, placing your palms on the floor, in front of or in between your feet. Knees are slightly bent. Look in between your knees, with the crown of your head reaching toward the floor.

4.  Keeping your hands there, breathe in and bring your right knee behind you on the floor. Your knee is resting below your pelvis on the floor. Look forward, opening your chest and keeping the back of your neck elongated.

5.  Breathe out and bring your left knee behind you to the floor. Your knee is resting below your pelvis, on the floor. Look to the floor, with the back of your neck elongated. Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor, with your hands directly under your shoulders and flat on the floor. Your knees are hip-width apart.

6.  Breathe in, push your belly button toward the floor, raise your chin, and lift your tailbone. Your elbows are straight and shoulders are away from your ears. 

7.  Breathe out and round your spine toward the ceiling. Keep your hands and knees in their original positions. Release your head toward the floor, but avoid forcing your chin toward your chest.

8.  Breathe in and bring your right foot forward outside your right hand. Your left knee remains on the floor. Look forward, open your chest and keep the back of your neck elongated. 

9.  Breathe out, keeping your hands where they are, and bring your left foot forward outside your left hand. Your knees are slightly bent. Look in between your knees, with the crown of your head reaching toward the floor. 

10.  Breathe in and reach your hands forward and up to the ceiling. Your arms are alongside your ears. Look straight forward, with the back of your neck elongated. Keep your spine’s natural curve. Do not arch your lower back or tuck your tailbone under.

11.  Breathe out, bringing your hands in front of your chest, palms together. This completes half a round. Repeat to the left (left leg stepping first back and forward) to complete one full round of Sun Salutation.

Perform 4–8 rounds, then rest in Corpse Pose.

Conclusion 

Sun Salutation is an important practice in Hatha Yoga. It harmonizes the movements of your body with your breath and this rhythmic process done in the early morning has many mental, physical and energetic benefits. Various studies have shown how beneficial Surya Namaskar is for uplifting the overall health. Therefore, performing a few rounds of Surya Namaskar before starting your regular routine or practicing it on its own is essential to your yoga practice.