The auspicious occasion of Sankranti, also called Pongal, Lohri in the different states in North and South India, has dawned upon us. This is an important harvest festival celebrated all over India – a largely agrarian economy, every year in January. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival falls in the solar month of Makara and lunar month of Magha, symbolizing the end of the winter solstice. It coincides with the sun’s northbound shift to the Makara zodiac constellation, thus being called Makar Sankranti and heralding longer, brighter days ahead.

Festivities on Sankranti comprise decorating the entrance to homes with intricate “kolam” or “rangoli” patterns, revering cattle and bovine animals for their invaluable contribution to agriculture, feasting on traditional meals and sweets, flying colourful kites and praying for the prosperity of all in the family.
Also Read: Pongal/Sankranti: Delicious And Wholesome Recipes To Celebrate The Harvest Festival

Amidst all the revelries, the Sun plays a central role in this grand festival. Worshipping the Sun God - Surya is an important part of Sankranti, to pay respects to the Sun and acknowledge the Almighty above, for being the source of all life on the planet. In this regard, the time-tested Indian practice of yoga details a powerful exercise. The ancient tradition of Surya Namaskar – literally translating to “Salutations to the Sun”, comprises 12 elaborate steps with varying postures to flex the muscles in the body. It is performed at sunrise, to express thankfulness to the heavenly solar body, for infusing vitality to all living things on earth.

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Keep reading, to discover the marvellous incentives of Surya Namaskar, for physical and mental wellness.

Exceptional Health Benefits Of Surya Namaskar:

Accelerates Weight Loss

The complex postures involved in Surya Namaskar stretch the abdominal muscles to visibly melt away belly fat. Furthermore, increasing the speed and intensity of the movements in Surya Namaskar make it a perfect cardio routine, strengthening cardiac muscles and augmenting heart health.

Promotes Digestion

The numerous twisting motions involved in the Surya Namaskar improve blood circulation to the stomach and intestines. This assists in rectifying gut problems such as ulcers, indigestion and cramps, besides releasing trapped gas, relieving bloating.

Remedies Hormonal Imbalance

As vitamin D is synthesised naturally only under direct sunlight, the Surya Namaskar routine aids in this vital process. Moreover, vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining the balance of thyroid, insulin and other hormones, to facilitate normal blood sugar and timely menstrual cycles in women.
Also Check Out: Hormone Balancing Foods: Choose The Right Ones

Positively Influences Mood

Sincerely performing the Surya Namaskar every day greatly impacts brain activity and nerve signalling. By modulating neurotransmitter levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, this exercise alleviates anxiety and depression, uplifts mood and enhances memory.

Rejuvenates Skin

Exposing the body to natural sunlight for a few minutes on a daily basis confers superb benefits for skin health. Doing the Surya Namaskar regularly increases the flow of blood to skin tissue, diminishing wrinkles, slowing down ageing and fortifying skin texture.

Ensures Deep Sleep

The stretching motions involved in Surya Namaskar, along with the intense inhalation and exhalation exercises guarantee optimal respiratory processes, enhanced lung power and breathing functions, which avert snoring and apnea, for uninterrupted sleep at night. This fosters a calm mind, effectively tackles insomnia and helps cultivate healthy sleeping patterns.

Strengthens Bones, Muscles And Joints

Extending the entire body while performing the Surya Namaskar routine significantly increases the flexibility of muscles in the neck, spine, hands, abdomen, hips, thighs and lower legs. The holding poses and warm-up workouts entailed in this elaborate exercise regime alleviate joint pain in the shoulders, wrists, knees and ankles, besides fortifying the bones.

Boosts Metabolism And Immunity

Controlled breathing exercises and vigorous physical activity that are both a part of Surya Namaskar activate digestion and waste elimination in the internal organs of the stomach, intestines, liver and kidneys. This facilitates high absorption of nutrients by tissues, smooth break down of food into energy i.e. metabolism, aside from unhindered bowel and bladder movements.

Promotes Hair Growth

Doing the Surya Namaskar routinely stimulates blood circulation to the head, scalp and hair roots i.e. follicles. This supplies ample nourishment to the tresses, regulates sebum/oil secretions, thwarts dandruff and flaky scalp, prevents premature greying, in addition to ameliorating hair growth and bestowing a long, thick, silky mane.

Additional Benefits:

Stimulates Blood Circulation

The 12 postures performed during the entire Surya Namaskar sequence comprise dynamic inhalation and exhalation process that not only keeps the blood oxygenated but also the lungs ventilated. The effective flow of fresh blood throughout the body is a significant way to cleanse the body of toxins and other poisonous elements and carbon dioxide.

Augments Kidney Health

The postures in Surya Namaskar delicately massage the lower abdominal organs including the kidneys, promote the circulation of blood and enhance the supply of oxygenated blood all through the body. The asanas prevent and treat urinary distension, renal stones, and painful urination. By promoting urine flow, the asanas eliminate kidney stones while uplifting overall kidney health.

Promotes Cardiac Functioning

The prayer posture, that initiates the Sun salutation has the hands are clasped together in front of the heart. This mudra effectively activates the heart chakra and stimulates the lotus heart to open up to allow the free flow of blood throughout the body. Regular practice not only fortifies the heart muscles and repairs irregular heartbeats but also regulates abnormal blood sugar levels to further prevent heart problems.

Conclusion:

Celebrate the grand occasion of Sankranti, offering homage to the Sun, for it is the core of the universe, due to which all life on earth thrives. In addition, making it a part of your daily routine henceforth to do the Surya Namaskar at dawn, will help you procure the wonderful advantages it provides, for sustaining overall health.

Netmeds.com Wishes All Its Customers A Very Happy, Healthy And Prosperous Pongal, Sankranti, Lohri!