34 Benefits of Sun Salutation 
​

Authored by Bhaiarav Shrinivasav, this was published under the patronage of the Raja of Aundh, a kingdom in the modern state of Uttar Pradesh in North India.  (Edited for modern day understanding.)
 

"When done daily, systematically, correctly and faithfully and according to our instructions, the Surya Namaskar:
 

1. Strengthens the entire digestive system (including stomach, pancreas, intestines, liver, etc.) and cures, and prevents constipation.

2. Invigorates the nervous system (including the brain, spinal cord, lower plexus, and cures brainfog, forgetfulness, worries and other forms of mental derangement.)

3. Invigorates the heart and will cure and prevent blood pressure, palpitation.

4. Develops the lungs, gives you wind and prevents tuberculosis.

5. Improves the quality and circulation of the blood. Active circulation of the blood is the first law of health.

6. Stimulates glandular activity; gives a new vivacity to the glands. The thyroid gland is stimulated and any tendency to goiter is obviated.

7. Improves the color and function of the spleen by enabling it to eradicate toxic impurities through profuse perspiration and to absorb vital energy from the atmosphere.

8. Strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, back, stomach, waist, abdomen, intestines, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.

9. Improves and develops the chest, i. e. keeps it hard, firm and elastic;

10. Improves the uterus (womb) and ovaries removes menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea and consequent pain.

11. Child-bearing is less painful and more easy. All discomforts from menopause vanish.

12. Helps improve sleep.

13. Increases blood flow to extremities thereby removing cold hands and feet.

14. Proven to halt falling of hair, and its tendency to grayness and prevents baldness by increasing nutrition to the hair and scalp, and the bonding of the neck backward and forward, insures good circulation to the head.

15. Helps improve focus and concentration due to increased blood circulation to head.

16. Reduces redundant fat, especially the fat about the abdomen, hips, thighs, neck and chin.

17. Removes kidney troubles.

18. Reduces the abnormal prominence of the the Adam’s apple by the forward and backward bending of the nook.

19. Destroys the offensive odor of perspiration.

20. Reduces bowleggedness.

21. Improves posture. Makes spine straight.

22. Prevents and corrects neurasthenia due to rhythmical breathing.

23. Will increase the height of the body if the positions are correctly performed.

24. Will prevent and cure constipation.

25. Not merely gives you external form, shapeliness and muscle of the body, but improves and normalizes the function of most of the vital internal organs.

26. Makes you immune from disease by tremendously increasing your disease-resisting power.

27. Increases stamina and power.

28. Is the quickest method for increasing and maintaining youthful buoyancy and flexibility.

29. Gives you poise, mental as well as physical.

30. It increases the power of mental concentration, optimism and self-confidence.

31. Is the foundation of healthy and sane life and will be of incalculable benefit to you throughout your life. Long, systematic, continuous and daily practice of Surya Namaskars and right diet, will, in addition to vibrant health and radiant energy, invariably create in you a dislike for all stimulants and sedatives; an aversion to hot things such as capsicum or chilly, pepper, spices and condiments; a lack of relish for fried articles in general; and to top them off, generates in you the inestimable habit of abstemiousness, which will help you to live long. In fact, you gradually become partial to Satvic diet, as defined in the Bhagavad Gita, XVII {The kinds of food which increase life, vitality, strength, pleasure or joy of living, cheerfulness and philanthropy, fellow-feeling, are juicy, fatty or substantial to hunger and delicious or heart strengtheners, are dear to me, and are Satvic.)

32. Will keep you away from sins, for it is the proud act of health and wellness.

33. Will generate in you good thought, optimistic thoughts.

34. And will, in short, unlock the door to glorious Health, Strength, Efficiency and Longevity, which God intended for you. You will thus see that the Namaskars possess the unique feature of coordinated actions of all the vital organs, nerves, muscles and other parts of the system, which are stimulated, developed and strengthened simultaneously, a result not achieved by any other single exercise.

 

Surya Namaskars are not a panacea for all the ills that the human flesh is heir to, but we do claim that this system, if loyally and steadfastly followed, will reward the performer with superb Health, vibrant Energy, active Efficiency and Longevity."