5 Benefits of Doing Surya Namaskar You Didn't Knew

Yoga has become popular worldwide and for good reasons. There are many types of yoga that you can do at home. One such yoga is Surya Namaskar, a flowing series of 12 yoga postures. While practicing the different postures, make sure you synchronize your breathing with your body movements.

The 12 yoga postures in Surya Namaskar are:

Pranamasana (Salutation posture)
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised arm posture)
Padahastasana (Hand-to-foot posture)
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture)
Parvatasana (Mountain posture)
Ashtanga Namaskara (Salutation with eight limbs)
Bhujangasana (Cobra posture)
Parvatasana (Mountain posture)
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture)
Padahastasana (Hand-to-foot posture)
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised arm posture)
Pranamasana (Salutation posture)

* Good for Your Muscles and Joints

Surya Namaskar is good for the joints as well as the muscles. It is especially good for shoulder, neck and leg muscles. When done correctly, it also improves posture and balance. Plus, it improves flexibility in the spine and limbs, and can also help increase height.

* Improves Digestion

The sequence of yoga postures in Surya Namaskar is good for the digestive system. It helps increase blood flow to the digestive tract and stimulate intestinal action for smooth digestion as well as elimination. Plus, it can help get rid of constipation and dyspepsia.

* Treats Insomnia

This yoga exercise can be of great help to cope with insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. The unique combination of relaxing physical exercises and breathing techniques helps calm the mind as well as the body. This in turn helps promote sound sleep and increase sleep efficiency as well as total sleep time.

* Controls Diabetes

Surya Namaskar is also beneficial for those who suffer from diabetes. Some of the yoga postures help stimulate the pancreas by exerting pressure on it as well as improve the production and use of insulin. Plus, it improves blood flow throughout the body.

* Reduces Stress and Anxiety

As Surya Namaskar helps reduce tension buildup and promotes relaxation of the whole body, it is considered very effective for people suffering from stress, anxiety and even depression.