Sun Salutations, also known as Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit, are a series of yoga postures performed in a sequence. Sun salutations are a common practice in many yoga traditions and are often used as a warm-up or as a standalone yoga practice.
The traditional Sun Salutation consists of 12 postures performed in a specific order, with each posture coordinated with the breath. The sequence typically starts with a standing posture, moves into a forward fold, and then transitions into a series of plank, chaturanga, and upward facing dog postures. The sequence ends with a downward facing dog, a forward fold, and then returns to the starting position.
The word "pranayama" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "prana," which means life force or vital energy, and "ayama," which means expansion or control.In pranayama, the breath is considered as a vital link between the body and mind. By consciously regulating the breath, practitioners aim to balance and harmonize the flow of prana throughout the body, which is believed to have a profound effect on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.