Contraindications of Suryanamaskar

Introduction

Suryanamaskar is a full-body energizing routine that combines 12 yoga positions with rhythmic breathing. Suryanamaskar, which means sun salutation, is also known as "The Ultimate Asana" or "The King of Yoga". Understanding Suryanamaskar's meaning will make it abundantly evident that it refers to a method of worshipping the sun with complete devotion. As one looks more closely at the history of Suryanamaskar, one can see how significant it is. According to Hindu mythology and Vedic literature, the sun is the ultimate source of energy for all matter in the universe.

What Is Suryanamaskar?

Suryanamaskar is a dynamic exercise that is rhythmically performed in a certain order of yoga poses. It symbolizes the regular rhythms seen in nature:

• The twelve zodiac phases of the year.

• The twenty-four hours of the day.

• The body's biorhythms.

In addition to this, Suryanamaskar is a means to thank the sun for supporting life on earth. Additionally, as an energy source since the beginning of time, for managing the entire solar system. The back muscles are strengthened and the metabolism is boosted with Suryanamaskar. It improves cardiovascular fitness and balances the reproductive, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

What Are the 12 Poses of Suryanamaskar?

1. In the posture of Pranamasana (prayer pose), stand tall.

2. In Hasta Utthanasana (raised arms pose), stretch the arms up and back.

3. Bend forward gradually into Hastapadasana (standing forward bend)

4. Step back with the right leg into Ashwa Sanchalanasana (equestrian pose)

5. Step both legs back to enter Chaturanga Dandasana (the posture of the four-legged staff).

6. In Ashtanga Namaskar (eight-limbed pose), bring the knees, chest, and chin down.

7. Bhujangasana (cobra pose) involves raising the chest high.

8. In Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog pose), raise the hips and the tailbone.

9. Step forward with the right foot in Ashwa Sanchalanasana (equestrian pose).

10. Step with the left foot forward and enter Hastapadasana (standing forward bend)

11. In Hasta Utthanasana (raised arms pose), stretch the arms up and back.

12. In Pranamasana (prayer pose), stand tall.

What Are the Contradictions of Suryanamaskar?

Beginners may need some physical stamina because the Suryanamaskar (sun salutation) is a 12-pose sequence performed with the flow of energy and good breathing. As a result, this sequence has its limitations and should not be performed by people who have specific illnesses. Since the muscles used in this yoga pose are continually worked, it is best to learn how to practice it under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The following list includes this sequence's contraindications.

1. Body Weakness: Due to the difficulty of this yoga sequence, caution should be exercised if the user has bone or muscle weakness.

2. Back Injury: In the Suryanamaskar (sun salutation), the spine expands and contracts, putting pressure on the hip and lower back. Hence, even if one has been practicing this for years, individuals with a very bad back or a back injury should avoid this. If the yoga practitioner has recovered from the back condition or injury, it is crucial to follow a yoga teacher's instructions or begin carefully.

3. Expecting Mothers: Pregnant women should also not perform this since it puts strain on their backs and abdomen.

4. High Blood Pressure: This sequence should be avoided by those who have high blood pressure. However, for someone who is not elderly, starting this yoga pose slowly and cautiously is possible with the right direction from a yoga teacher.

5. Heart Issue: Before performing the Sun Salutation, someone with a heart issue is advised to visit a doctor. Keep in mind that age does play a significant influence on someone with a cardiac problem.

6. Arthritis: When performing several Suryanamaskar poses, knee strength is crucial. So, one should go slowly or skip this sequence if have severe arthritis that is causing knee stiffness.

7. Wrist Injury: Damage to the wrist will make the sequence challenging because poses like cobra pose, adho mukha svanasana, and descending to eight limbs pose put a strain on the wrists, increasing tension and risk of injury.

8. Hernia: Sun salutation should be avoided by anyone suffering from a hernia.

What Are the Benefits of Suryanamaskar?

1. Makes the Muscles Stronger: The Suryanamaskar is a series of stretches that lengthen the spine and other body parts' muscles. The muscles become more powerful and flexible as a result.

2. Enhances Metabolism: The asanas used in Suryanamaskar stimulate the endocrine system, which controls the passage of hormones. It increases the body's metabolic rate.

3. Enhances Cardiovascular Wellness: Inverted positions with the heart elevated above the head are also a part of the Suryanamaskar. It promotes blood flow throughout the body and massages the heart softly. This aids in blood pressure maintenance and blood sugar level regulation.

4. Enhances Energy Levels: All of the energy chakras, from the root to the crown, are stimulated by this activity. It brings the chakras into harmony and balance, bringing about spiritual benefits.

5. Gives a Toned Body: Suryanamaskar, if regularly performed, stretches the muscles and aids in calorie burning. Trimming the fat gives the body a toned appearance and aids in achieving a healthy weight.

6. Harmonies, the Doshas: Suryanamaskar helps to balance Vata, Kapha, and Pitta by combining appropriate breathing with the postures. This is true because the five elements are all in proper balance. Dosha balance enhances the reproductive, digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems and prevents all diseases.

7. Psychological Advantages: The Suryanamaskar calms the nervous system. It replenishes the brain's blood and oxygen supplies. This improves mental clarity and alleviates sadness, tension, and anxiety.

8. Prevents Aging: All of the benefits of internal body improvement, both physically and mentally, are also seen outside. It revitalizes the skin and lessens or postpones wrinkles and other aging symptoms.

Conclusion

The Suryanamaskar has a wide range of positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit. There is no other yoga practice that is as simple, suitable for people of all ages, and advantageous to the body's primary systems. However, following consultation with a doctor, someone who is new to yoga and suffers from one or more of the ailments listed above requires appropriate counseling from a yoga teacher or someone with experience in yoga. The sun salutation sequence must be practiced carefully, taking into mind the effects on the muscles in each pose.