All About Sun Salutations

What is a sun salutation?

Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar A and B) are foundational sequences that initiate the rhythm of a yoga flow. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words “Sūrya” meaning sun and “Namaskāra” meaning greeting or salute. Completing just a few rounds of these sequences can build heat through the entire body and link breath with movement for a mindful yoga practice.

The sun salutation sequence is made up of eight asanas:

• Tadasana (mountain pose)
• Urdhva Hastasana (upward salute)
• Uttanasana (standing forward fold)
• Anjaneyasana (low lunge)
• Kumbhakasana (plank pose)
• Chaturanga Dandasana (four-limbed staff)
• Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward facing dog)
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog)

What is the history of sun salutations in yoga?

The precise dates and origin of the Surya Namaskar sequence aren’t widely agreed upon. Some historians insist that its roots lead back to 2,500 years ago. It may have been developed during the Vedic times as a ritual to worship the sun and the energy it provides all life on earth. Others claim that the roots of the sequence…