108 Sun Salutations are quite popular throughout the world because of the immense benefits they offer. Sun Salutations–a set of 12 asanas is done in a particular order to activate and enhance the solar plexus region which governs energies of different parts of the body. This practice of paying respect to the Sun enhances intuitive abilities, creativity, confidence, decision making and leadership skills in a person. When performed 108 times, this practice brings wonderful benefits for the mind, body, and soul.
However, to reap these benefits is not a piece of cake. Doing 108 Sun Salutations continuously is quite challenging and requires physical fitness and mental discipline. The intense practice can make practitioner feel exhausted and they may find it difficult to recover from it. After executing the intense practice of 108 Sun Salutations, instead of lying on the bed or plopping down into a chair, it is advisable to do some Yoga for rejuvenation purposes.
Yoga that includes asanas, breathing exercises and meditation practices can relax and rejuvenate your whole body and mind effectively within a short period of time. Here are 5 most restorative yoga exercises to perform after executing 108 Sun Salutations:
Cow Face Pose or Gomukhasana: It is a great pose to stretch and relax the arms.
Steps: Sit straight with legs extended out in front of you. Now, now bend your Left leg and position it on the right feet, beside the right buttock. Fold the right leg and place it over your left thigh, feet beside the left buttock. As one of your knees is stacked upon the other, keep them close together. Now, place your left arm behind the back. Raise the right arm over the right shoulder and stretch it downwards to reach the left hand. Keep your head straight and open your chest by leaning slightly back. Stay in the moment for as long as you are comfortable and breathe deeply.
Diamond Pose or Vajrasana: The pose relaxes the legs and the lower back.
Steps: Bend your knees and sit on your hips. Make sure that the top surfaces of the feet touch the mat and heels are pointed upwards. Ensure that your heels are on either side of the anus and the sides of the soles are together. Interlock your big toes and place both palms on the knees. Relax the shoulders and close the eyes. Hold the posture for a few deep breaths.
Lord of the Dance Pose or Natarajasana: The pose relaxes your hips, lower back, abdominal muscles, and neck.
Steps: Stand straight on the right leg, bend the left knee and raise the left leg to stretch it behind toward the left buttock. Shift your whole body weight on the right foot. Now, take your left hand behind to grasp the toe of the raised leg. Lift your hips and pelvic area to avoid any strain. Stretch your right hand in front parallel to the ground, palms facing down. Flex the left foot in a way as you are pushing it away from the body. Stay in the moment for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply. Release and repeat on the other side.
Wind-relieving Pose or Pavanmuktasana: The pose is an excellent way to massage the back and ease the tension in the back.
Steps: Lie down on the back with hands resting beside the body and feet together. Take a deep breath, and while exhaling bend both knees to the chest. Wrap your arms around the knees and tilt your head forward to let your chin touch the knees. Clasp the hand underneath the knee to hold them in place. Hold the position for 5-8 breaths while breathing normally.
Yogic Sleep or Yoga Nidra: Yoga Nidra cools down the whole body and brings it back to the normal temperature. The conscious sleeping exercise is amazing for the mind and body relaxation.
Steps: Lie down straight in Svanasana. Close your eyes and start breathing deeply. Take your attention to all the body parts and let them relax on their own one by one.
Relax from head to toe with these amazing yogic practices and attain the most out of your 108 Suryanamaskar Series.
