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SURYA NAMASKARA - SALUTATIONS TO THE SUN
Surya namaskara has been handed down from the enlightened sages of the vedic age. The sun symbolises spiritual consciousness and in ancient times was worshipped on a daily basis. It is one of the most useful methods of inducing a healthy, vigorous and active life, while at the same time preparing for spiritual awakening and expansion of awareness.
TIME OF PRACTICE: The ideal time to practise surya namaskara is at sunrise, the most peaceful time of day. Whenever possible, practise in the open air, facing the rising sun. Sunset is also a good time to practise as it stimulates the digestive fire. Surya namaskara, however, may be practised at any time provided the stomach is empty.
Surya namaskara is a complete sadhana, spiritual practice, in itself. It includes asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation techniques. It is an excellent group of asanas with which to start morning practice. It is an effective way of loosening up, stretching, massaging and toning all the joints, muscles and internal body organs.
Surya namaskara has a direct vitalizing effect on the solar energy of the body which flows through pingala nadi. Regulation of pingala nadi leads to a balanced energy system at both mental and physical levels. Surya namaskara generates prana, the subtle energy which activates the psychic body. Its performance, in a steady, rhythmic sequence, reflects the rhythms of the universe. The application of this form and rhythm to the body-mind complex generates the transforming force which produces a fuller and more dynamic life.
MEANING: Prayer Pose
TECHNIQUE: Keep the eyes closed. Remain standing upright with the feed together. Slowly bend the elbows and place the palms together in front of the chest in namaskara mudra, mentaly offering homage to the sun, the source of all life. Relax the whole body.
BREATHING: Breathe normally. As you breathe in, lift both arms up from the sides, and as you exhale, bring your palms together in front of the chest in prayer position.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the chest area. Spiritual - on anahata chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose establishes a state of concentration and calmness in preparation for practice to be performed.
MEANING: Raised Arms Pose
TECHNIQUE: Raise and stretch both arms above the head. Keep the arms separated, shoulder width apart. Bend the head, arms and upper trunk backward.
BREATHING: Inhale while raising the arms.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the stretch of the abdomen and expansion of the lungs. Spiritual - on vishuddhi chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose stretches all the abdominal organs and improves digestion. It exercises the arm and shoulder muscles, tones the spinal nerves, opens the lungs and removes excess weight.
MEANING: Hand to Foot Pose
TECHNIQUE: Bend forward until the fingers or palms of the hands touch the floor on either side of the feet. Try to touch the knees with the forehead. Do not strain. Keep the knees straight. Palms and feet should be in a straight line.
BREATHING: Exhale while bending forward. Try to contract the abdomen in the final position to expel the maximum amount of air from the lungs.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the pelvic region. Spiritual - on swadhisthana chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose is useful in eliminating or preventing stomach or abdominal ailments. It reduces excess weight in the abdominal region, improves digestion and helps to remove constipation. It improves blood circulation, makes the spine supple and tones the spinal nerves.
CONTRA-INDICATION: People with back conditions should not bend forward fully. Bend from the hips, keeping the spine straight, until the back forms a ninety degree angle with the legs, or bend only as far as comfortable.
MEANING: Equestrian Pose
TECHNIQUE: Place the palms of the hands flat on the floor beside the feet. Stretch the right leg back as far as possible. At the same time, bend the left knee, keeping the left foot on the floor in the same position. Keep the arms straight. In the final position, the weight of the body should be supported on both hands, the left foot, right knee and toes of the right foot. The head should be tilted backward, the back arched and the inner gaze directed upward to the eyebrow centre. (In the final pose the palms of the hands should be flat on the floor initially. Later on, more advanced practitioners may come up onto the fingertips.)
BREATHING: Inhale while stretching the right leg back.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the stretch from the thigh to the chest or on the eyebrow centre. Spiritual - on ajna chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose massages the abdominal organs and improves their functioning, strengthens the leg muscles and induces balance in the nervous system.
MEANING: Mountain Pose
TECHNIQUE: Take the left foot back beside the right foot. Simultaneously, raise the buttocks and lower the head between the arms, so that the back and legs form two sides of a triangle. The legs and arms should be straight in the final position. Try to keep the heels on the floor in the final pose and bring the head towards the knees. Do not strain.
BREATHING: Exhale while taking the left leg back.
AWARENESS: Physical - on relaxing the hips or on the throat region. Spiritual - on vishuddhi chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs. The spinal nerves are toned and circulation is stimulated especially in the upper spine, between the shoulder blades.
MEANING: Salute with Eight Parts or Points
TECHNIQUE: Lower the knees, chest and chin to the floor. In the final position only the toes, knees, chest, hands and chin touch the floor. The knees, chest and chin should touch the floor simultaneously. If this is not possible, first lower the knees, then the chest, and finally the chin. The buttocks, hips and abdomen should be raised.
BREATHING: The breath is held outside in this pose. There is no respiration.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the abdominal region. Spiritual - on manipura chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose strengthens the leg and arm muscles, develops the chest and exercises the region of the spine between the shoulder blades.
THE BANYAN TREE
The 300 years old Banyan Tree photographed for this story is overlooking the sacred beach Aum, in mythological town Gokarna, where Swaswara, the CGH Earth Ayurveda Resort is situated. SwaSwara means your inner voice and true to its name, this is a place of natural harmony to release, refocus and recalibrate the self.
Listen to yourself >>
MEANING: Cobra Pose
TECHNIQUE: Lower the buttocks and hips to the floor. Straightening the elbows, arch the back and push the chest forward into the cobra pose. Bend the head back and direct the gaze upward to the eyebrow centre. The thighs and hips remain on the floor and the arms support the trunk. Unless the spine is very flexible the arms will remain slightly bent.
BREATHING: Inhale while raising the torso and arching the back.
AWARENESS: Physical - on relaxation of the spine. Spiritual - on swadhisthana chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose keeps the spine supple, improving circulation in the back region and toning the spinal nerves. It tones the reproductive organs, stimulates digestion and relieves constipation. It also tones the liver and massages the kidneys and adrenal glands.
MEANING: Mountain Pose
TECHNIQUE: This stage is a repeat of position 05. From bhujangasana assume parvatasana. The hands and feet do not move from position 07. Raise the buttocks and lower the heels to the floor.
BREATHING: Exhale while raising the buttocks.
AWARENESS: Physical - on relaxing the hips or on the throat region. Spiritual - on vishuddhi chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs. The spinal nerves are toned and circulation is stimulated especially in the upper spine, between the shoulder blades.
MEANING: Equestrian Pose
TECHNIQUE: This stage is the same as position 04. Keep the palms flat on the floor. Bend the left leg and bring the left foot forward between the hands. Simultaneously, lower the right knee so that it touches the floor and push the pelvis forward. Tilt the head backward, arch the back and gaze at the eyebrow centre.
BREATHING: Inhale while assuming the pose.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the stretch from the thigh to the chest or on the eyebrow centre. Spiritual - on ajna chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose massages the abdominal organs and improves their functioning, strengthens the leg muscles and induces balance in the nervous system.
MEANING: Hand to Foot Pose
TECHNIQUE: This position is a repeat of position 03. Bring the right foot forward next to the left foot. Straighten both knees. Bring the forehead as close to the knees as possible without straining.
BREATHING: Exhale while performing the movement.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the pelvic region. Spiritual - on swadhisthana chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose is useful in eliminating or preventing stomach or abdominal ailments. It reduces excess weight in the abdominal region, improves digestion and helps to remove constipation. It improves blood circulation, makes the spine supple and tones the spinal nerves.
MEANING: Raised Arms Pose
TECHNIQUE: This stage is a repeat of position 02. Raise the torso and stretch the arms above the head. Keep the arms separated, shoulder width apart. Bend the head, arms and upper trunk backward.
BREATHING: Inhale while straightening the body.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the stretch of the abdomen and expansion of the lungs. Spiritual - on vishuddhi chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose stretches all the abdominal organs and improves digestion. It exercises the arm and shoulder muscles, tones the spinal nerves, opens the lungs and removes excess weight.
MEANING: Prayer Pose
TECHNIQUE: This is the final position and is the same as position 01. Bring the palms together in front of the chest. Breathing: Exhale while assuming the final position.
BREATHING: Exhale while assuming the final position.
AWARENESS: Physical - on the region of the heart. Spiritual - on anahata chakra.
BENEFITS: This pose establishes a state of concentration and calmness in preparation for practice to be performed.
Dedicated to everyone, who is searching answers to these questions: What is ayurveda? How is this ancient medical system connected with yoga, meditation, healthy food, relaxation in nature and modern life style?
CGH Earth Hotels & Resorts create travel experiences that let you explore nature, community and culture intimately. These experiences are themed around you - your awareness and aspirations!
VISHU FESTIVAL
NEW YEAR IN KERALA
The Malayalam word kani literally means that which is seen first. The traditional belief is that one's future is a function of what one experiences, that the New Year will be better if one views auspicious joyful things as the first thing on Vishu.
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Ayurveda trails is using the symbol of mudra as reminder, healing is in your hands. We are creating a small collection of highly specialised ayurveda resorts run by passionate ayurveda experts, who want to keep authentic healing knowledge for modern world.
What is ayurveda? How is this ancient medical system connected with yoga, meditation, healthy food, relaxation in nature and modern life style? Ayurveda Trails is dedicated to everyone, who would like to travel and search answers to these questions.
NAVARATRI
Festival of Nine Goddesses
Navaratri is a nine night festival that honors the Mother Goddess in all her manifestations. The worship, accompanied by fasting, takes place in the mornings. Evenings are for feasting and dancing. Each day has a different ritual associated with it.
ONAM
The Harvest Festival in Kerala
Onam is the most popular festival in Kerala. It can be traced to the primitive harvest festival and also to the myth regarding King Mahabali - the benevolent asura ruler who brought peace and prosperity to his country. It is celebrated in August and September.
The importance of the feast to the Kerala's Onam celebration culture is captured in the famous Malayalam proverb: Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam - which means: One must have the Onam lunch even by selling one's property, if need be.
MANALTHEERAM AYURVEDA BEACH VILLAGE
Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village, gives you an opportunity to pamper yourself with a heavenly experience. Enter the world of holistic healing and let Ayurveda and meditation restore your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional equilibrium.
MANALTHEERAM
Dr. Hemalatha Manoj
In Manaltheeram, we believe, that Ayurveda is a divine science of life, our hands should be pure to treat a patient. Sometimes we are not able to cure every one but it is important not to make any mistakes from our hands. We pray to God.
Somatheeram, the world’s first Ayurveda hospital set in a resort ambiance to provide Ayurveda healing and treatments programmes. With its exotic tropical beauty and tranquil hospitality, this getaway is the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The World’s First Ayurveda Tourist Resort: Baby Mathew, in 1985 together with his brother Dr.Pauly Mathew, has founded the world’s first ayurveda tourist resort Somatheeram in Kerala. How has this journey started?
Cliff View Ayurveda Retreat is built in the Bauhaus style, which aims to reunite fine art and functional design, creating practical objects with the soul of artworks. The resort embrace the philosophy of traditional Ayurveda in modern style.
HARIVIHAR HERITAGE
Dr. Sri Kumar
Harivihar, abode of the divine, is a 170 year old painstakingly restored royal heritage homestead located in Calicut. It offers unparalleled experience of staying in a heritage ambience and benefit from the goodness of Ayurveda and Yoga, two great contributions of India to mankind.
I hesitated for publishing this story quite late, but there’s a beauty in rewinding. Makes me appreciate how all those days have become of me. The clever fall of dominoes of life events that led me to still standing. A very happy new year to all!
SwaSwara means your inner voice, this is a place of natural harmony to release, refocus and recalibrate the self. Inspired by the first sound of creation, the resort in Gokarana on Aum Beach is a perfect setting to enable one to hear the voice of the inner self.
Green gram is a powerhouse of nutrition. It has high nutritive value and can be consumed by anyone for improving health. Hence, this superfood is one of the most vital detoxifying agent as well as an energiser that helps to enhance the immunity of the body.
KAIRALI - THE AYURVEDIC HEALING VILLAGE
There is no better place to get inside nature and rejuvenate with natural medicine than the sweet scented forests of Kerala's Pala trees. Time spent at this jungle paradise will allow you to experience the authentic healing practices of India.
