Are you eager to practice the Sun Salutation or just want to get it over and done with?

From the feedback I get from my yoga students, it’s clear that students either love to do the Sun Salutation or are afraid to do it.

Those who love it see it as essential preparation for their yoga lesson, while those who don’t like to do the Sun Salutation find it too difficult and time consuming within the lesson.

What camp are you in?

Regardless of which camp you’re in, beginners ask me a lot of questions about the Sun Salutation.

Here are 12 of the most popular questions.

1. What is the Salutation to the Sun?

The Sun Salutation is an ancient yoga practice that draws the energy and light of the sun into the mind and body. It consists of twelve different movements or positions that form a funny sequence.

2. Which part of the body stretches the most?

Salutation to the Sun exercises the whole body and mind. Each of the twelve positions stretches the spine in different ways, thus giving movement to the entire spine and greater flexibility to the extremities.

3. Why is it always practiced at the beginning of a yoga session?
The Sun Salutation helps to exercise the body, which makes the rest of the session easier. It also helps focus your mind for the next session.

4. How fast am I supposed to do the Sun Salutation?
Generally speaking, the Sun Salutation is performed with grace and in time with the movement of the flow of your breath. It is designed to be a smooth, flowing sequence that harmonizes the mind and body. The main thing is to be aware and connected with your breath.

5. Why is it called Salutation to the Sun?
The correct Sanskrit name for the Sun Salutation is Surya Namaskar, which means Salutation to the Sun. Its origins lie in the cult of Surya, the Hindu solar deity. In ancient times, the sun was considered a deity for health and long life. Traditionally, you would practice the Sun Salutation, like a dance in the sun, at sunrise as part of your spiritual practice. By honoring the sun, you would bring sunlight and energy into your body.

6. What are the main physical benefits of practicing the Sun Salutation?

The main physical benefit is that it brings flexibility to the body, particularly the spine. It also helps regulate breathing, helps distribute blood and energy to all organs, circulation is stimulated.

7. What are the other benefits?
Spiritually, practicing the Sun Salutation realigns and centers your center. It brings attention to the mind. Traditionally, each position is associated with a particular mantra.

8. How long is a lap?
A complete round of Sun Salutation is considered to be two sets of the twelve poses, beginning first with the right leg and then with the left leg.

9. How many rounds am I supposed to do at one time?
Traditionally, yogis practiced 12 rounds in honor of the twelve names of the sun according to the monthly sign of the zodiac. As a beginner, it is recommended to practice 3-5 rounds until you feel comfortable.

10. Does it matter which way I face to do the Sun Salutation?
Traditionally, the Sun Salutation is always practiced by facing in the direction of the rising or setting sun.

11. I am too stiff/use a wheelchair; Can I still do the Sun Salutation?
If you can. Ask your yoga teacher to show you how to do the seated sun salutation. Alternatively, check out Nischala Joy Devi in ​​”The Healing Path of Yoga”, Three Rivers Press, 2000. Nischala offers a very good seated version of the sun salutation and a standing version with a chair.

12. Can I practice the Sun Salutation at home alone?
Definitely. Once you feel confident and comfortable with the Sun Salutation daily practice sequence, you will have a great way to promote good health and a strong body.

There you have it. 12 of the most popular questions I get from yoga beginners about the Sun Salutation. I’m sure; As you begin to include and enjoy the Sun Salutation, you will have questions of your own.

If they haven’t been covered, please message me with your query and I’ll do my best to answer it. Namaste.