Today we will discuss Chair Surya Namaskar for Parkinson’s People. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a complete 12 powerful yoga poses. Surya Namaskar is an old technique of paying respects to the sun. Sun is the source of all life.

Let’s understand the basics of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder. Parkinson’s disease can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and chronic disease.

It is characterized by common motor symptoms, such as tremors or shaking, stiffness or rigidity of the muscles and slowness of movement(bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms such as sleep problems, constipation. anxiety, depression and fatigue and others.

Learn More  Sleeping Mantra for Parkinson’s Disease

Can Parkinson’s people practice the Surya Namaskar?

Of course. We have brought details of Chair Surya Namaskar. Due to pandemic situation, we have brought exercise series for patients, so they can practice at home.

When can Parkinson’s people practice?

When Parkinson’s people are on-period in the morning, they can practice Chair Surya Namaskar

. You might find different versions of how to practice Sun Salutation. We will advise sticking to one particular version.

What is the best time to practice Chair Surya Namaskar for Parkinson’s people?

It is best to practice Surya Namaskar in the early morning on an empty stomach

Let’s understand the benefits of Surya Namaskar

• Surya Namaskar helps to stimulate the nervous system.
• It is an excellent exercise for weight loss management.
• Surya Namaskar is incredible to strengthen the immune system.
• It enhances cognitive functions.
• Surya Namaskar is always good for the overall body and relaxes the mind.

Before Parkinson’s people practice Chair Surya Namaskar, they need to focus on a few points.

• All the steps need to be done one after the other simultaneously.
• If you have knee problems or knee surgery, and alternative pose has been given for steps 4, 5, 8 and 9. In case of knee pain or surgeries ask

• Repeat this between 5-7 times.
• Choose a stable strong chair.
• Correct breathing is very important. Remember, whenever your body is in an open position, which means your lungs have the capacity to expand to the maximum, you must inhale, and when your body is in a closed up or bent or cocoon position, your lungs will squeeze, thereafter breathe out.
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Steps of Chair Surya Namaskar for Parkinson’s People

Starting position: Sit straight with back unsupported on the edge of a stable chair, keep your feet flat on the ground and maintain waist width distance between your feet, hands on your sides.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 1

Join your palms together in a NAMASTE gesture.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 2

Now open your palms and take your hands up and bend backward from the trunk, inhaling deeply.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 3

Then slowly bend forward from the trunk while reaching towards the ground, exhaling for a prolonged.

Come back to starting position: Sit straight with back unsupported on the edge of a stable chair, keep your feet flat on the ground and maintain waist width distance between your feet hands on your sides (or hands on your lap)

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 4

a. Now try to lift your RIGHT knee (bending your hip and knee at 90 degrees) towards your chest, holding your hand at the knee level from the front.

Note: In case of knee pain or surgeries hold the lower thigh instead of the front of your knee and then lift your leg, as shown in the first figure on Pg1]

b. At the same time bend backward from your trunk and neck (As if trying to look up).

c. At the same time. Take in a deep breath.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 5

a. With your RIGHT knee/thighs still held, bend forward with your chest and head coming towards your knee, such that your back is in a stooped arch( as if trying to look down).

b. While doing this exhale for a prolonged time.

c. NOW, come back to the “starting position’ again.

Come back to starting position: 

Sit straight with back unsupported on the edge of a stable chair, keep your feet flat on the ground and maintain waist width distance between your feet, hands on your sides (or hands on your lap).

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 6

Now take your hands up and bend backward from the trunk, inhaling deeply.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 7

Then slowly bend forward from the trunk while reaching towards the ground, exhaling for a prolonged time.

Come back to starting position:

Sit straight with back unsupported on the edge of a stable chair, keep your feet flat on the ground and maintain waist width distance between your feet, hands on your sides (or hands on your lap).

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 8

a. Now try to lift your LEFT knee(bending your hip and knee at 90 degrees ) towards your chest, holding your  hand at the knee level from front

Note: In case of knee pain or surgeries hold the lower thigh instead of the front of your knee and then lift your leg, as shown in the first figure on 1]

b. At the same time bend backward from your trunk and neck (As if trying to lookup)

c. At the same time. Take in a deep breath.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 9

a. With your LEFT knee/thighs still held, bend forward with your chest and head coming towards your knee, such that your back is in a stooped arch(as if trying to look down).

b. While doing this exhale for a prolonged time.

c. NOW, come back to the “starting position” again.

Come back to starting position:

Sit straight with back unsupported on the edge of a stable chair, keep your feet flat on the ground and maintain waist width distance between your feet, hands on your sides (or hands on your lap).

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 10

Now take your hands up and bend backward from the trunk, inhaling deeply.

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 11

Then slowly bend forward from the trunk while reaching towards the ground, exhaling for a prolonged time

Chair Surya Namaskar: Step 12

Join your palms together in a “NAMASTE” gesture AND exhale.

Practicing yoga may be beneficial in managing Parkinson’s disease. Before practicing any exercise, discuss it with your doctor. Find a yoga teacher and take proper guidance of steps.