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Home , Ajna, Asana, Ashtanga Namaskara, Kshetram, Manipura, Vishuddha

Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

MECHANISM OF IN SURYANAMASKAR AND ITS BENEFITS: A CONCEPTUAL STUDY Nitin Sharma1, Neha Udainiya2 1PG Scholar, Bal Roga Department, 2PG Scholar, Shareer Rachana Department National Institute of , Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT The physical body is the reservoir of energy field. A continuous energy exchange takes place between the environment and the human body which is responsible for health and wellbeing of the human body. Chakras are considered to be a point or nexus of metaphysical and biophysical energy of the human body. As Healthy body –mind complex is the goal of all therapies. One such therapy mentioned in ayurveda is Astanga . Suryanamaskar is one of the most important Yogasana. Its practice makes the Chakras, the points of focus, opens them and evokes the positive effects of a particular which makes body healthy. The present study is an effort to explore out the mechanism of Chakras in Suryanamaskar. Keywords: Energy field, Chakras, Suryanamaskar.

INTRODUCTION The physical body is the reservoir various ways and means through which of energy. According to quantum physi- one can overcome these hurdles. Healthy cists what we perceive as solid matter is body –mind complex is the goal of all actually 99.99% empty space filled with therapies. Out of numerous therapies men- energy. Western medicine described our tioned in ayurveda, one such therapy is physical system in terms of chemistry and that of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga said that for any chemical action to take means eight limbed Yoga and it is an au- place a change in electromagnetic energy thentic practice that can lead to liberation of the body or aura must occur. and greater awareness of our spiritual po- A scientist had verified that there are two tential. The eight limbs are yama, , primary electrical systems in the physical , , , dharana, body. The first is the alternating electrical dhyana, . Of these the third limb, current of the nervous system and brain asana is the most important for us to prac- which governs our muscles, hormones and tice. Though in appearance an external and physical sensations. The second is a con- physical discipline, through consistent ef- tinuous, electromagnetic radiation coming fort we find many layers, more and more off our atoms which allows for an energy subltle which need to be experienced di- exchange between individual and their en- rectly and can lead to the experience of the vironments. last four limbs. Suryanamaskar is one of So there is an existence of the en- the most important Yogasana. It builds ergy body which has a relation to the foundational energy and concentration for health and well being of the physical body. the rest of the practice. Any therapy is first Physical diseases and mental ailments are applied on the physical body, ultimately hurdles in the way of longevity. There are affects the mind. So, different therapies Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study worked out the anatomy. For this we cy of vibration as the earth’s energy field. should have the knowledge of energy field, When humans live close to nature, their and Prana centres (Chakras). The energy fields are in synchrony with the Chakras are not physical. They are aspects energy field of the earth, so they experi- of consciousness in the same way as the ence more balanced and better health. auras are aspects of consciousness. The HUMAN ENERGY FIELD: Chakras are more dense than the auras, but We are essentially electromagnetic beings not as dense as the physical body. They composed of tiny particles of energy and interact with the physical body through information pulsating and spinning at a two major vehicles, the high rate of speed. At the highest frequen- and the nervous system. Each of the seven cy of vibration each form of living matter Chakras is associated with one of the sev- is interconnected as our particles dance en endocrine glands, and also with a group and spin apart. At the lowest frequencies of nerves called a plexus. Thus, each they come closer together manifesting in Chakra can be associated with particular the density of the physical bodies. parts of the body and particular functions So, human energy field forms the inter- within the body controlled by that plexus face reacting with the physical cellular sys- or that endocrine gland associated with tems of the human physical body. When that Chakra. Here an effort has been made the energy field is in balance and in har- to explore out the interaction of Shad mony the physical body will experience Chakras with the body on the stimulation optimal health. happened by different postures while per- PRANA: forming Suryanamaskar. Prana the vital is the power necessary for MATERIALS &METHODS: the pursuit at any discipline or . All the information and literature Prana is the type of that ensures life have been taken from the ayurvedic sam- to all creatures by its presence in the body hitas and other than ayurvedic , and whose departure causes death. modern medical books, journals and vari- It is an invisible energy that makes every- ous websites. thing possible, a kind of primordial glue, UNIVERSAL ENERGY FIELD: which associates many internal factors and The universal energy field is a vast, cosmic might be the basis of electromagnetic en- sea of endless possibilities and infinite ergy. The flow of energy known as Prana wisdom, the source of all and extending is a continuous process which gives vitali- infinitely beyond the human measure. This ty to the body. Prana is related to mind, universal field, source of all, or God is the through mind to the will, through will to ultimate living being bringing forth and the individual soul and through this to the staying connected to every other living supreme power. thing. Prana supports the buddhi, hridya, indri- EARTH ENERGY FIELD: ya and chitta. Breath is the external mani- The earth’s natural electromagnetic field festation of Prana. By exercising, control has a frequency measured as about over breath, manas is controlled. 7.8Hz.When people meditate and calm VIBRATION & LIVING MATRIX: their brains emit alpha frequencies of 7 to The human body may be seen as frequen- 9 Hz. Thus when the human brain is in a cies that produce an energy field around relaxed state then it has the same frequen- the body. The living matrix is a continuous 2505 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study and dynamic “supramolecular webwork draw in this energy to keep the spiritual, extending into every hook and crany of the mental, emotional and physical health of body. These Chakras can be considered as the body in balance. a tuned circuit via which one may tap the The Chakra system originated in India energy of the cosmos and produce magnet- more than four thousand years ago. Chak- ic current flow in the etheric circuit via ras were referred in the ancient literature delton coupling and these electric currents of the , the later , the Yo- are caused to flow in the physical body and ga of , and most thor- then back flow to the environment. So, oughly in the 16th century by an Indian both subtle and environmental energies act in a text called the Sat-Chakra- on the Chakras as current or waves affect- Nirupana. In the 1920s, Chakras were ing system in the body and the functioning brought to the west by Arthur Avlon with of the Chakras. his book, “The Serpent Power”. Human body and energy field as a living . In new age practices, each Chakra is matrix, pulsing and interconnected in a often associated with a certain color. In system that is affected by other human sys- various traditions Chakras are associated tems and energies that surround all matter. with multiple physiological functions, an This system is very delicate and can go out aspect of consciousness, a classical ele- of balance or became diseased due to men- ment, and other distinguishing characteris- tal, emotional, physical or spiritual block- tics. They are visualised as lotuses/flowers ages of the energy centres or Chakras. with a different number of petals in every CHAKRAS: Chakra. The philosophical theories and models of The shakta theory of Chakras postulates Chakras as centers of energy were identi- seven Chakras. These are called the Mu- fied through the mystical practice of Yoga ladhara or “Root Support” at the base of in ancient India where they were first codi- the spine with four “petals”, the fied. Swadhisthana or “Own abode” at the root The word “Chakras” is derived from the of the genitals with six, the or word Chakra meaning “wheel” or “Fullness of Jewels” at the level of the na- circle more generally refers to a spinning vel with ten “petals”, the or “Un- sphere of bioenergetic activity emending struck Melody” at the heart-centre with from the major nerve ganglia, branching twelve, the or “Complete Puri- forwards from the spinal column because ty” at the throat with sixteen, and finally circle itself symbolizes endless rotation of the or “’s command” at the brow . They are considered as loci of en- with two “petals”. The crown centre, the ergy or Prana, also called shakti, (Chi- -Padma or Thousand Petalled nese; ki in Japanese), bios (greek) and ae- Lotus, located at the very top of the head, ther (English), which is thought to flow is technically speaking not a Chakra at all, among them along pathways called nadis. but the summation of all the Chakras. The function of the Chakras is to spin and Name of Physical Location Ele- Bee- Princi- World/Reg Chakra Form ments ja pal ion Air Mu- Pelvic Near perine- Prithvi Apana लं भूः

2506 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study ladhara plexus um Swadhisth Hypogas- Above the jala Vyana Prana- वं भुवः an tric plex- us Chakra(1- 1.5inch nr ) Manipura Epigas- Near navel Samana Manoma- रं : tric or ya Solar Plexus Anahata Cardiac Heart vayu Prana Vigyanma यं महं ya Vishuddhi Carotid Throat Akasha Udana Anandma हं जनः ya Ajnya Medulla Between the Manas ॐ तपः plexus eyebrow Sahasrara Cerebral Fore- Mahtat gland head(above va the palate in the head, above the - Randhra) MULADHARA CHAKRA: It is the first Chakra according to and chastity of the at the time of hindu and Yoga tradition. Muladhara is the awakening. base from which the three main psychic Muladhara is for our innocence and one channels nadis, ida, pingala and sushumna should know that innocence can never be emerge. destroyed. Too much thinking about and In , there are various yogic indulging in sex weakens this centre. The practices held to incite the energy in Mu- imbalance of Muladhara Chakra is Ano- ladhara including such as Garuda- rexia, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Auto- sana, shashankasana and ; Immune Disease, Arthritis, Cancer, AIDS, specific Pranayama and importantly the Fatigue, and Spinal Column. practice of mula which is endemic SWADISHTHANA CHAKRA: to appropriate body mind discipline. This Chakra is positioned at the tail bone, This four petalled centre is called the Mu- two finger-widths above Muladhara. Its ladhara and is situated below the triangu- six petals match the of affection, lar sacrum bone. This centre looks after all pitilessness, feeling of all-destructiveness, our excretions, inclusive of sex activity. delusion, disdain and suspicion. Its corre- Though the Kundalini has to rise through sponding point in front of the body (i.e. its six centres, Muladhara protects the purity ) is at the pubic bone. Swadishthana is associated with the un-

2507 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study conscious where the different samskaras, our being, our behaviour pattern and our lie dormant and Muladhara is where these physical sustenance. samskaras find expression. . In the endocrine system, Manipura is It is situated in the . This centre said to be associated with the and corresponds to aortic plexus, which sup- the outer adrenal glands, the adrenal cor- plies us with energy of creativity and ab- tex. These glands create important hor- stract thoughts. This centre also provides mones involved in , converting energy to the brain by converting fat cells food into energy for the body. The imbal- to brain cells. Too much thinking and fu- ances of Manipura Chakra are , turistic planning weakens this centre and Digestive / Adrenal organ illness, Hypo- one develops very weak attention. Liver is glycaemia. governed by this centre. This centre also ANAHATA CHAKRA: controls the functioning of pancreas, uterus The Anahata Chakra is physically posi- and some parts of intestine. tioned at the heart region. Traditionally Due to its relation with sexuality, this Chakra is represented as a green flow- Swadhisthana is often associated with the er with twelve petals which match the vrit- testes or ovaries in men and women, as a tis of lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, part of the endocrine system. These pro- hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arro- duce hormones testosterone or estrogen, gance, incompetence, discrimination and which are important factors in sexual be- defiance. This Chakra is associated with haviour. These are also the locations the the ability to make decisions outside of the spermatozoa or eggs are stored with their realm of . Anahata Chakra is the latent genetic information, like the latent seat of the Jivatman and Para Shakti. samskaras that lie dormant within This Anahata Chakra is placed behind Swadhisthana. The imbalance of the sternum bone in the spinal cord. This Swadhisthana Chakra is associated with centre corresponds to cardiac plexus, Bladder problems, Frigidity, Gall and Kid- which produces the antibodies till the age ney Stones, Reproductive Organs, Vaginal of twelve. These antibodies are then circu- Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Pelvic Disease, lated in our system which helps us to fight MANIPURA CHAKRA: any kind of attack on the body or mind. It is positioned at the navel region and it When there is either emotional or physical has ten petals which match the vrittis of attack on the person, these antibodies are spiritual ignorance, thirst, , treach- informed through the sternum which has a ery, , fear, disgust, delusion, fool- remote control of information. This centre ishness and sadness. controls breathing by regulating the func- Manipura Chakra is associated with dy- tioning of heart and lungs. In the endocrine namism, energy and will-power. It is asso- system, Anahata is associated with the ciated with the power of fire and digestion. thymus gland, located in the chest. This Manipura is said to radiate and distribute gland produces white blood cells,that Prana to the rest of the body. combat disease, and bring equilibrium to Surrounding the second and third Chakra the body. The imbalance of Anahata is a void which incorporates all the aspects Chakra is Cancer, High Blood Pressure, of existence such as personality, the effects Heart Problems, Thymus, Blood, Circula- of the planets and gravitational forces on tory System, Involuntary Muscles. VISHUDDHA CHAKRA: 2508 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study Vishuddha also known as Vishuddhi is the mind’s eye, or in a dream, it is being seen fifth primary Chakra according to hindu by ‘ajna’. tradition. Residing in the Chakra, according to It is positioned at the neck region and it some beliefs, is the deity has sixteen petals corresponding to the a hermaphrodite form of Shakti, Sanskrit vowels. symbolising the primordial duality of sub- Vishuddha is associated with the faculty ject and object. of higher discrimination, between choos- This two petal led centre is placed where ing what is right and wrong and it is asso- the two optic nerves cross each other in the ciated with creativity and self expression. brain (optic chiasma). This centre caters to It is known as the ‘poison and nec- pituitary and pineal glands in the body tar’centre, closely related to the which manifests the two institutions of ego Chakra and the secret of immortality is and superego within us. said to reside there. When Vishuddha is Too much visual engagements like cine- closed, we undergo decay and death. When ma, computers etc weakens this centre. it is open, negative experience is trans- The imbalances of ajna Chakra are Glau- formed into wisdom and learning. coma, , Neurological problems, This centre corresponds to cervical plex- Cerebellum, Nose, Pituitary, Central us, which regulates the functioning of ears, Nervous System, Left Eye. The nose, throat, neck, teeth, tongue, , Chakra is associated with the Autonomic gestures etc. This centre is responsible for Nervous System/Pituitary Gland the communication with others because SHASHTRA CHAKRA: through these organs we communicate This seventh Chakra is also known as “the with others. supreme centre of contact with God”. On the physical level it controls the func- Thousand petalled Chakra symbolizes de- tion of thyroid glands. Harsh speech, tachment from illusion an essential ele- smoking and artificial behaviour and guilt ment in obtaining supramental higher con- feeling blocks this centre. This gland is in sciousness of the truth that one is all and the neck and produces hormones essential all is one. for growth and maturation. The imbalances It is the most important centre situated in of Vishuddha Chakra are , Neck the brain or limbic area. Actually there are Problems, Lungs, Hypoactive Thyroid, thousand nerves, and if you take transverse Throat, Jaw, Alimentary Canal, Vocal section of the brain, you can see all these Cords nerves beautifully arranged in a petal like AJNA CHAKRA: structure to form lotus of thousand petals. It is the sixth primary Chakra according to This centre covers the limbic area of the hindu tradition. Also bears the name the brain, before realization like a closed bud third eye or Shiva’s eye. It is positioned at of lotus. Above this is covering of two bal- the eyebrow region having two petals said loons like structures of ego and superego. to represent the psychic channels Ida and The Crown Chakra is associated with the Pingala, which meet here with the central central nervous system/Pineal gland. Sushumna channel, before rising to the SURYANAMASKAR crown Chakra, Sahasrara.  Namaskara also known in Eng- Ajna is considered the Chakra of the lish as Sun Salutation (lit. "salute to mind. When something is seen in the the sun") is a common sequence 2509 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study of asanas. Its origin lies in India where  is practiced at the end of its large hindu population wor- practice for rest. can be pro- ships surya, the Hindu solar deity. The nounced at the start of each Surya na- word “surya” indicates about the maskara. Bijas (seeds) or the 12 man- nakshatra “surya” which is the repre- tras specific to each asana can also be sentation of health, prosperity, energy chanted while performing each asana. and longevity of life.  There are a total of 8 different asanas  This sequence of movements and asa- in the sequence of the 12 asana chang- nas can be practised on varying levels es of Surya namaskara. Some asanas of awareness, ranging from that of are repeated twice in the same cycle of physical exercise in various styles, to a a Surya Namaskara. Some modern day complete sadhana which incorporates Yoga practitioners considers only ten asana, Pranayama, man- stages of this asana in which they does tra and Chakra . Physical not include Shashankasana in stages 5 prostration to Sun, showing complete & 9 thus reducing the twelve stages to surrender of oneself to God is the main ten. If we consider namaskarasana in aspect of these procedures. Suryanamaskar then these stages will  This Suryanamaskar is the united form increase upto 14. of Yogasana and Pranayama. Two  According to the scriptures one who types of styles are prevalent for doing performs the Surya Namaskara daily Suryanamaskar. First one includes se- does not get poor in a thousand births. ries of twelve asanas and the second  Each and every asana of Surya- one includes a series of ten asanas. namaskar should be performed with  Surya Namaskara, like most asanas, is enunciation of bijamantras as well as recommended to be performed on an the inspiration and expiration process empty stomach facing in the direction should be regulated side by side. of the rising (east) or setting  Before performing Suryanamaskar the (west) sun. It is generally practiced in following should be recited: the morning before breakfast or in evening. Hiryamayen paatren satyasyapihitam mukham| Tat tvam pusham paavrinu satyadharmaya drishteya| PROCEDURE OF SURYANAMASKAR: S.No YOGASANA PROCEDURE OF YOGASANA MANTRAS 1. Namaskarasana Putting both hands together and eyes mitrāya namaḥ closed stand facing the sun. Both legs should be placed together with great toes joined. 2. Hastuthanasana Taking deep inspiration stretch both om ravaye namaḥ hands straight above the head with back- ward bending of region above the waist. 3. Padhastasana Continuing from hastuthanasana keep om sūryāya namaḥ waist in straight, extending both hands in front and slowly bend forwards keeping

2510 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study the straight and touch the great toe with hands. 4. Ashvasanchalana Keeping both hands in side of right leg, om bhānave namaḥ take deep inspiration and extend the left leg behind and flexing the right keep both hands on floor. 5. Parvatasana Taking deep inspiration slowly extend om khagāya namaḥ the right leg upto the left leg, raising the hip region in form of mountain and keep- ing the head in between the hands and bend. 6. Ashtanga madipa- From stage of parvatasana, expiring and om pūṣṇe namaḥ dasana raising head straight, hands, chin, trunk and knees should be kept in touch with ground and the region between waist and umbilicus should be raised from the ground. 7. From above stage, with expiration rest om hiraṇya the raised waist region on ground and garbhāya namaḥ raise the head above extending back- wards, lie in front in straight posi- tion. 8. Parvatasana Same as explained above. Om marīcaye namaḥ 9. Ashvasanchalana Same as explained above. om ādityāya namaḥ

10. Padhastasana Same as explained above. om savitre namaḥ

11. Hastuthanasana Same as explained above. om arkāya namaḥ

12. Namaskarasana Same as explained above. om bhāskarāya namaḥ RELATION OF CHAKRAS AND SURYANAMASKAR: Step Asana Breath Chakra Position 1. Pranamasana exhale Anahata Heart 2. Hasta inhale Vishuddhi Throat 3. Hastapadasana exhale Swadhisthana Sacrum 4. Aekpaadprasarnasana inhale Ajna Third eye 5. AdhomukhaSvasana/ exhale Vishuddhi Throat Parvatasana 6. suspend Manipura Solar Plexus 7. Bhujangasana inhale Swadhisthana Sacrum

2511 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study 8. Adho Mukha Svanasana exhale Vishuddhi Throat 9. AshwaSanchalanasana inhale Ajna Third eye 10. Uttanasana exhale Swadhisthana Sacrum 11. Hasta Uttanasana inhale Vishuddhi Throat 12. Pranamasana exhale Anahata Heart

DISCUSSION The Chakras allow you to under- the Chakras correspond to the positions of stand the relationship between your con- the glands in the endocrine system and sciousness and your body, and to thus see have an effect on their functioning. The your body as a map of your consciousness. link between the Chakras and the glands It gives you a better understanding of emphasises the holistic nature of health yourself and those around you. When you and demonstrates that you need to main- feel any discomfort or tension in in con- tain a balance in your emotional and men- sciousness of the body and particularly of tal activities as well as your physical diet a part of the body, this effect is experi- and exercise, as they are all deeply interre- enced by the Chakra associated with that lated. In today’s world stress is the root particular part of the body. This tension is cause of all diseases. Each and every indi- due to the deviation of the natural frequen- vidual deals with one or the other kind of cy of the human body acquired by the stress. This long term stress then manifests body due to various reasons which ulti- in the physical form in the pattern of a dis- mately effects the aura or energy field sur- ease. This stress ultimately affects our en- rounding the human body. The tension in ergy field and consequently Chakras. This that particular Chakra is detected by the imbalance of Chakras disturbs the perfect nerves associated with that particular plex- synchronisation of interior and exterior us of nerves in that region of Chakra. This rythms or human energy field and univer- tension when remain for a long period of sal energy field. So the practice of doing time in a constant intensity level results in Suryanamaskar should be adopted by each some kind of symptom which is the mani- and every individual as it stimulates th festation of the disease at the physical lev- Chakras of the body .Suryanamaskar el. One of the strongest associations to af- maintains or keeps the natural frequency or fect your health and well-being is that energy of the human body nearer to nature formed with your Endocrine system. The or earth’s magnetic field. Suryanamaskar endocrine system is part of the body's main helps in curing and maintaining the health control mechanism. It comprises of a of the body by energy healing because number of ductless glands that produce the Chakras are the points of focus while per- hormones, acting as chemical messen- forming it. Suryanamaskar opens Chakras gers,that are secreted into the bloodstream and evokes positive qualities associated from particular organs to stimulate or in- with a particular Chakra. As each Chakra hibit physical processes. By adjusting the becomes more assimilative at its own vi- hormone levels, the endocrine system brational frequency considering Namaska- works to maintain the body in a state of rasana, when we perform this asana, the optimum health. The Chakras are linked vibration of frequency or energy that is with the glands responsible for creating the existing in the aura surrounding our body hormones. Unsurprisingly, the positions of are nearer to the energy frequency at 2512 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study which Anahata Chakra absorbs energy at communication between the brain and en- that particular frequency and thus gets ergy producing digestive tract. stimulated and evokes its positive re- CONCLUSION sponse. This asana improves the ability to  There is an existence of the energy concentrate and calms the nervous system field around the body which has a rela- and mind. Hastauthanasana stimulates tion to the health and well being of the blood circulation and the Vishuddhi Chak- human body. ra. Padhastasana stretches the back mus-  A Chakra is a center of activity that cles and the muscles at the back of the receives, assimilates and expresses life thighs, thus activates the solar plexus and force energy. There are six of these the Manipura Chakra. The digestive sys- wheels stacked in a column of energy tem is stimulated. The head receives a that spans from the base of spine upto good supply of blood, which has a favour- the top of the skull. able influence upon the eyes, ears and  These energy centres are located at the memory. Ashvasanchalana stimulates the major branching of human nervous digestive organs. The leg and back mus- system and interact with the physical cles are strengthened. The Anahata Chakra body through two major vehicles, the and Manipura Chakra are balanced. Par- endocrine system and the nervous sys- vatasana regulates the nervous system. tem. Strengthens arm, leg and back muscles  Chakras are points-of-focus, while per- and stretches muscles at the back of the forming asanas in Suryanamaskar. legs. The increased blood supply to the  Suryanamaskar maintains or keeps the head has a favourable influence upon brain natural frequency or energy of the hu- functions, eyes and ears, and stimulates the man body nearer to nature or earth’s Sahasrara Chakra. Ashtangamadipa- magnetic field. dasana encourages diaphragmatic breath- REFERENCES ing, stretches the spine and is beneficial on 1. Monier, Monier Williams:A Sanskrit- lower abdominal organs, balances the English Dictionary,Motilal Ba- whole body and Bhujangasana strengthens narasidas, Delhi, pg 380 arm, shoulder and back muscles, promotes 2. Woodroffe, The Serpent Power, by flexibility of the spine and improves pos- Aurthur Avalon, Ganesh & Co,Madras, ture, thereby helping to prevent slipped 1950, edition 4th Ch 5th &6th. discs. The Swadishthana Chakra is bal- 3. Henry Gray, Gray’s Anatomy, Susan anced. Other benefits are raised conscious- Standstring, forthieth edition Elsevier ness. Developing inner peace, detoxifica- publishers, reprint edition 2014. tion of body and mind, mental clarity and 4. Dr. Kashinath Samgandi, Swasthvrit concentration, reduces biological age, ex- Sudha, Ayurveda Sanskrit Hindi Pustak pansion of perception, improves metabo- Bhandar, Jaipur, first edition 2014, pg lism and burns fat, distressing etc. Surya- 249. namaskar practice also stimulates the va- 5. Shyam S. Goswami, LayaYoga: The gus nerve. It is the only nerve in the body definitive guide to the Chakras & that is present through each one of the sev- Kundalini,Routledge & K. Paul, Pg en Chakras from crown to root Chakra. It 198. is the nerve which forms a main line of

2513 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Nitin Sharma& Neha Udainiya: Mechanism Of Chakras In Suryanamaskar And Its Benefits: A Conceptual Study 6. Captain Ajit Vadakayil, Ajit Vada- kayilblogspot.com, An article named Chakra Vortex: Scalar energy Transreceiver, feb 2011. 7. Dr Pooja, A Dissertation entitled Ana- tomical Study of Shadchakras & Struc- tral and Genetic Changes Related to Abdomino-Pelvic Ca –An Indeginous approach for the Side- Effects of Radi- otherapy and Chemotherapy, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur , Year 2008. 8. Article by Milind V.Bhutkar, Pratima M.Bhutkar, Govind B.Taware, Anil D.Surdi, “How effective is sun saluta- tion in improving muscle strength gen- eral body endurance and body compo- sition”, Asian Journal of Sports Medi- cine 2011 Dec; 2(4):259-266. 9. Article by Anand Sharad Godse, Bhaskar r Shejwal and Amruta Anand Godse, “Effects of Suryanamaskar on relaxation among college students with high stress in Pune, India, International Journal of Yoga, 2015 Jan-Jun; 8(1):15-21.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Dr. Nitin Sharma Email:[email protected]

Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None Declared

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