Salute to the Sun is a wonderful series of exercises, comprised of seven asanas performed in a particular sequence, combined with yoga breathing.
It’s a little hard to practice just by reading the instructions, so I recommend you watch the video first.
Caution: If you have high blood pressure, be sure to consult your doctor before practicing Salute to the Sun.
Prayer Pose
Stand with feet and palms together in Prayer Pose. Exhale completely, contracting your abdomen to squeeze all the air from your lungs.
Reaching Backbend
Inhale, contracting your buttocks as you raise your arms, reaching up and back as far as comfortable. Separate your hands if you like.
Standing Forward Bend
Exhale as you fold from your hips, bringing your hands to the floor or to your shins. Bend your knees if you need to.
Equestrian Pose
Step your left foot back, lowering your knee. Inhale fully as you arch upward, keeping your fingertips on the floor.
Summit Pose
Exhale as you lower your chest to your thigh and step your right foot back, lifting your hips high and lowering your heels to the floor if you can.
Ashtanga Pose
Inhale as you lower your knees to the ground and sit back on your heels. Exhale and move your body forward so your chin and chest rest lightly on the ground. Your buttocks stay up.
Cobra
Lower your hips to the ground, then inhale as you gently arch your spine upward.
Summit Pose
Exhale fully as you lift your hips high, pressing your torso toward your thighs in an upside down V-shape.
Equestrian Pose
Inhale and step your left foot forward into a lunge. Let your hips sink down as you arch your spine, fingertips on the floor.
Standing Forward Bend
Exhale, lower your chest, and step your right foot forward to meet the left. Lengthen your spine downward. Bend your knees if you need to.
Reaching Backbend
Inhale as you roll your spine up. You can bend your knees to help protect your back. Bring your palms together, then reach your arms up and back.
Prayer Pose
Exhale as you bring your hands to your chest in Prayer Pose once again.
Repeat the sequence as many times as you like, alternating the leg you step back or forward into Equestrian Pose. Lie down and take a brief rest when you’re finished.
Benefits
- Loosens muscles and joints
- Fully stretches your spine
- Massages your internal organs
- Stimulates the production of hormones
- Brings balance to the various systems of the body
- Purifies your lungs of stale and toxic air (provided you don’t practice in a polluted atmosphere)
- Oxygenates your blood
- Increases vitality and makes you more alert
- Relieves mental tension and stress
