Sun bathing is a ritual designed by seers and men of ancient wisdom to ensure a complete awakening of the human systems ensuring health and fitness the whole day. This also ensures a perfect balance after a long rest and sleep – transition from moon cycle to Sun cycle; from deeper mind to body cycle OR from Subconscious to conscious mind!

Preparation:

  1. It is ideal to wake up at least about 30 minutes before the sunrise. This helps to activate the nervous system and transit from sleep to wakefulness in a complete and wholesome manner.
  2. Ensure bowels and bladder is emptied.
  3. Drink a glass of water / herbal drink etc.
  4. Wear minimal clothing so that maximum body is exposed to direct sun rays and use white cotton clothing only.
  5. Choose a place which has direct slanting sun rays falling on. The place must be free of dust and pollutants and having fresh air.

Method:

  1. Start by looking at the sky (not the sun directly) few times to initiate the internal organs. Walk a few steps and loosen all the joints by moving them in all possible sides / rotations etc.
  2. Apply some oil (a thin layer only) on the body especially on joints and vital areas (Feet and ankles; lower abdomen; Ears; palms & wrists).
  3. Start with joint movements – toes to head; do all possible movements of the joints while exposing to the sun rays.
  4. Spinal movements – all movements to the spine (including twisting)
  5. Ensure to add upper back and shoulder exercises.
  6. Few rounds of brisk walking (with full swing hand movements while walking)
  7. One could add SUN SALUTATIONS (Surya Namskar postures) as well.
  8. Look at the sun from periphery to the middle; blink the eyes a few times. Sun gazing is to be done starting few rounds and slowly increase the duration as one get accustomed.
  9. Sit and allow the body to settle down.
  10. Perform few deep breaths – deep abdominal breathing
  11. Gently press the full feet (toes, sole and sides & upper area) including ankle joints, palms including wrists and ears
  12. Keep a cold compress on abdomen and eyes and relax for a while (focusing on abdominal movements while relaxing)
  13. After bathing, drink a glass of water / herbal drink (Wheat grass juice / Ash gourd juice etc)
  14. A cold shower / warm may be used at the end to complete the ritual.
  15. Use natural and herbal products to strengthen the vital organs.
    – Anu Tailam / Sesame oil / Ghee – 2 drops in each nostril
    – Triphala water / Rose water / Herbal toners – few drops in each eye

Benefits and Important points:

A source of supreme quality break fast – in all it’s sense (as food, as emotional – energy movement – kick start etc) – Ensure joints are mobilized and mild oil application is done before.

Best method to lose and maintain weight as it is proved scientifically that exposure to morning sun rays can help a person lose weight! – Ensure spinal movements are performed.

Activates thyroid gland and helps one maintain the Basal Metabolic rate (BMR) in the most economical and sustainable manner (more sun in the morning better quality of metabolic activity in the day) – Ensure upper back exercises / movements are performed during sun bath.

Natural Anti depressant (more effective and powerful than most pharmacological agents available) – Ensure Sun gazing is performed from periphery to Center of sun with blinking of eye lids.

It is the best WARM UP – remember the better a warm up the better the performance!!! (Physical and mental activities). – Ensure all joints are moved in all possible ways.

INTERNAL SUN BATH (for those who cannot find SUN!) – This is a different method that would require learning under some Yoga teachers (especially for some techniques). This technique is helpful to activate the internal fire / Sun using some specific physical and breath techniques.

Dr. Jayachandran Thampi

Email – jcthampi@gmail.com