Surya Namaskar

That most familiar of asana sequences, Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is as rich in symbolic and mythic overtones as it is in physical benefits.

Surya has a lot of significance in the Hindu religion, while the term literally translates to “the Supreme Light”. It is the chief of solar deity since the term generally refers to the Sun. The mythical image representation of Surya has... golden arms and hair. He is known to ride his triumphal chariot that is attached to seven horses that takes him through to the heavens. Those seven horses represent the seven chakras found all throughout the body.

One of the means of honoring the sun is through the dynamic asana sequence Surya Namaskar (better known as Sun Salutation). The Sanskrit word namaskar stems from namas, which means "to bow to" or "to adore." (The familiar phrase we use to close our yoga classes, namaste—te means "you"—also comes from this root.) Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined-hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart. This placement is no accident; only the heart can know the truth.

The Benefits of Sun Salutation


These postures flex and stretch the spinal column through its maximum range giving a profound stretch throughout the entire body. The Sun Salutation has a deep detoxifying effect on the organ as well as a deep relaxing effect on the body. Some of the benefits are:


• Tones the digestive system
• Ventilates the lungs and oxygenates the blood
• Gets rid of large quantities of carbon dioxide and other toxic cases
• Strengthens the abdominal muscles
• Tones the nervous system and improves memory
• Improves muscles flexibility
• Helps reduce fat

TURMERIC -- A Rhizome plant of the Ginger family.

Anti inflammatory, Antibiotic, Antiseptic

Turmeric is an integral part of Natural and Ayurveda medicine due to its many healing properties. Ancient texts of Ayurveda appreciates turmeric as :

Haridra  -       Enhancer of body complexion.
Kanchani -     looks like gold.

Nisha -            Imparts beauty by enhancing complexion .

Gowri -           yellow in colour.
Krimighni -    works as an antibacterial
Yoshit priya - used in gynaecological disorders.

Under the Homeopathic system of healing

Homeopathy uses turmeric for jaundice, liver complaints, ulcers and digestive problems. It is said to improve circulation . It is even used to cure cold cure, mixed with hot milk and sugar.

Under the Ayurveda system of healing

Turmeric has been prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual problems, arthritis, infections, jaundice, coughs and rheumatic pains. It is also used to cleanse the body.

Under Traditional Chinese Medicine

Turmeric is used to deal with liver and gallbladder issues. When the liver is working at optimum levels, it filters as much as 2 litres of blood per minute but the liver works best when bile production is increased. This is where Turmeric is highly beneficial as it stimulates the production of bile which enhances the livers ability to cleanse and detoxify.

Benefits

• Cleanse the Body

• Aids Weight Loss

• Cleanse the liver

• Purify the blood

• Is a natural liver detoxifier.

• Enhances Health and Digestion and elimination

• May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

• A natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent avoids infections in cuts and burns.

• It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory which helps in natural treatment for arthritis and RA.

• Helps in speedy wound healing and assists in remodelling of damaged skin, pimples, boils.

The principal component of turmeric is curcumin that has anti-inflammatory qualities and is an antioxidant booster to combat viral infections, cancer and arthritis. Turmeric is also said to help boost appetite, improve cell health, lower blood pressure, and help prevent stomach irritations, improve bile secretion and reduce pain. Curcumin, an active component of Turmeric has reportedly been found to aid in the prevention of blood clots and also protect against blood cholesterol rise from eating fatty foods

Usage of Turmeric

“Tumeric is healing to the blood, but you have to boil it first.” 

For Pimples , Boils

Make a thick paste of Powdered Turmeric and honey , Apply on the boil or Pimple before going to bed at night and cover it with a Band-Aid or a cloth and leave it overnight . To be done minimum for a week.

For Bad Throat / Cough

one table spoon of raw turmeric juice mixed with ginger juice and honey, to be taken 3 hourly till relief...

For Cuts and Burns

Raw Turmeric juice mixed with oil, to be applied .Application of Turmeric will help in speedy healing and prevention from getting infected.

For Health Benefits mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and a generous pinch of black pepper. Add to soups or salad dressings or pour over cooked vegetables. If the taste is a little bitter, try adding a few drops of agave nectar too.