By Setareh Kiumarsi
Do you start your mornings feeling sluggish and depressed? Does it feel like it takes hours for your “internal engine” to start? As if the fire element within you is low and coldness has seeped into your body? Throughout the day, do you feel restless, with wind or gas swirling inside, and your digestion not functioning properly?
All these signs indicate that the beautiful inner sun (or fire element) in your body is low and needs to be awakened and strengthened. How can we wake up our inner sun every morning and witness its rising?
By practicing the daily Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar.
What happens in the body when we perform Sun Salutation?
- Many of our muscles and joints contract and stretch, increasing blood circulation. The accumulated toxins are released into the lymphatic system and expelled from the body.
- The muscles around the abdominal cavity contract and expand. As these muscles work, the liver, pancreas, stomach, and intestines are compressed, stimulating the secretion of stomach acid, insulin, bile, and digestive enzymes. In other words, our digestive fire (Agni) is activated, and digestion, absorption, and elimination processes resume efficiently.
- The contraction and expansion of muscles around the intestines increase peristaltic movements, encouraging the downward movement of waste toward the rectum.
- Many hormone receptors in the small intestine become activated. As the fire element increases and intestinal movements intensify, these receptors stimulate the brain to release serotonin and dopamine, balancing brain chemistry, reducing depression and lethargy, and enhancing alertness and vitality.
- A moderate increase in the fire element warms the body and helps bring Vata and Kapha doshas into balance.
Who should avoid Sun Salutation?
- People with a hot constitution or excessive fire element (Pitta-dominant).
- Those with very fast metabolism or overactive thyroid.
- People suffering from diarrhea.
- Those with fever.
- People with chronic headaches.
- Those who have recently suffered a stroke.
- People with high blood pressure.
- Women during menstruation.
When and how many repetitions?
- Best time: Early morning, at sunrise. You can also practice two hours after lunch if needed.
- Repetitions: Generally, 6 to 12 rounds are suitable for most individuals.
Practicing Sun Salutation regularly activates your inner fire, energizes your body and mind, and restores balance to your doshas.
For better guidance, you can watch the Sun Salutation tutorial video performed by Ms. Rira Rostami.
Please be sure to credit the author, Setareh Kiumarsi, when sharing or republishing this article, which was written with love and the hope of well-being for all.
