BEAT WINTER BLUES WITH THE SUN SALUTATION AND ESSENTIAL OILS

Baby it’s cold outside!
Warm up when it’s cold outside with the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara.) The Sun Salutation is a challenging sequence of postures that raises internal heat and adds a cardio element to your yoga practice. The origins of the Sun Salutation vary. Some say it dates back to Vedic times 2,500 years ago and was performed as a reverence for the dawn. Another theory is that it was invented in the early 20th century by the Raja of Aundh and slowly made its way to the west in the 1920s or 1930s. Whatever the origins, the Sun Salutation invigorates and uplifts the body. Watch the video for a demonstration on the Sun Salutation.
Additionally, a recent study has shown that yoga practice has a profound effect on decreasing stress and uplifting mood in women. Click hear to read the study: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/051510.htm

Another way to take in the benefits of the sun’s energy is by using essential oils. The plants absorb the solar energy and their oils can help uplift winter stress and blues. You may diffuse the oils in a diffuser for direct inhalation or blend the oils with organic carrier oils like almond or apricot kernel oil for use on your skin.
Try this combination for Stress:
• Clary sage 15 drops
• Lemon 10 drops
• Lavender 5 drops
For uplifting your mood try:
• Geranium 15 drops
• Lavender 5 drops
• Bergamot 10 drops

Neal’s Yard Remedies has gorgeous organic oils and blends:

Surya Namaskara/Sun Salutation Sequence A:
1. TADASANA
2. Inhale and bring both arms over your head (palms together) and look up towards hands in URDHVA HASTASANA
3. Exhale and fold forward into UTTANASANA
4. Inhale and lengthen your spine up and out in ARDHA UTTANASANA
5. Exhale and step right leg then left leg back into PLANK POSE
6. Lower down into a push up position (drop your knees to the ground to modify) CHATURANGA
7. Inhale into Upward Facing Dog URDHVA MUKHA SVANASANA
8. Exhale into Downward Facing Dog ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA
9. Inhale to walk or jump your feet to your hands
10. Inhale and lengthen the spine into ARDHA UTTANASANA
11. Exhale fold forward into UTTANASANA
12. Inhale up into URDHVA HASTASANA
13. TADASANA