| For exceptional benefits to the thyroid and parathyroid, | | | | benefits that Yoga students can expect to see and |
| it is arguable that other asanas would be more | | | | feel. During my experience while teaching Yoga |
| effective, especially if held longer. For example: The | | | | classes, I have noticed that students, at any age, |
| shoulder stand, (Sarvangasana), held for a longer | | | | noticeably improved in strength, muscle tone, and |
| duration, would be more beneficial for sending | | | | overall coordination, when they regularly practice Sun |
| oxygenated blood to the thyroid and parathyroid. | | | | Salutations. |
| However, the condition of a Yoga student's neck | | | | Some of them even loss weight, but diet is also a |
| should be a prime concern when performing the | | | | large factor in this. Yet, some that did not lose weight |
| shoulder stand. Therefore, in this instance, the standing | | | | did lower body fat. We know this because privately- |
| forward bend with a chin lock, performed in a Sun | | | | trained Yoga students do have their body fat checked |
| Salutation, is much less risky. | | | | when they start. This is not a requirement, but it is an |
| The Sun Salutations will help eliminate toxins from your | | | | option. Some Yoga students must see and feel the |
| body. By creating healthy circulation and speeding up | | | | physical benefits first, in order to "stick with the |
| the elimination systems, within your body, the Sun | | | | program." |
| Salutations work like a tonic. All of this physical | | | | Mental health benefits of Surya Namaskar are many, |
| movement, that occurs while practicing the Sun | | | | but when anxiety and stress are lowered; the quality |
| Salutations, will thoroughly oxygenate your blood and | | | | of life goes up. With this in mind, the odds of becoming |
| open your breathing passages. | | | | depressed are drastically reduced. Some Yoga |
| In turn, the body is more relaxed, flexible, and stress is | | | | students practice Sun Salutations just to keep |
| reduced. Yoga students, who perform Sun Salutations | | | | depression "at bay." |
| on a regular basis, will sleep better at night and | | | | With all of the above-mentioned benefits, Sun |
| become much calmer. | | | | Salutations should be considered a very valuable part |
| Just remember to allow a few hours between the end | | | | of Hatha Yoga practice. They can even be modified |
| of the Sun Salutations and the beginning of bedtime. | | | | for Chair Yoga practice. Therefore, always consider |
| This will allow your body and mind the time to wind | | | | Surya Namaskar to be an essential part of your class |
| down and relax. Also, this is just one more good | | | | - especially, if you teach a form of Hatha Yoga. |
| reason to practice Sun Salutations during the morning | | | | Always remember that Surya Namaskar is much |
| hours. | | | | more than a warm-up. |
| Strength, muscle tone, and coordination are also | | | | |