Live Whole Health #108: Seated sun salutations

Here comes the sun! Even on cold days we can sometimes see a glimpse of that big ball of fire that lights up the earth. When the sun is shining – and even when it is hiding behind clouds – we can practice sun salutations to warm our bodies and invigorate our day.

Sun salutations are a series of yoga postures that can help lengthen, strengthen, flex and extend many of the main muscles of the body. Many people do this kind of practice to start their day and it is a wonderful way to wake up the body and the mind.

Join St. Louis VA Medical Center’s yoga teacher and Whole Health Coach, Katherine Hillgren, for a 10-minute sun salutation practice that offers three variations: sitting, standing with chair support and standing without support.

How can yoga benefit your health?

The various components of yoga, including the postures, meditation and breathing, offer a wide range of benefits related to the Circle of Health and your health and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/Veteran-Handouts/docs/Yoga-508Final-9-4-2018.pdf.

There are so many benefits to moving the body; you don’t have to go to a gym or out for a run to get these benefits. Any activity that uses your energy to move the large muscles in your body has benefits for both your body and your mind.

Some activities increase your stamina, while others improve your strength, flexibility or balance. Moving your body in these ways can improve your ability to do more of the things you want. Moving the body can help prevent and/or be a part of the treatment plan for dozens of diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, and improve your mental health.

Learn more about moving your body here: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/moving-body.asp.