Healing Benefits of Sun Gazing
What is Sun Gazing?
Sun Gazing is the ritual of looking directly at the sunrise or sunset to reap the healing sun gazing benefits of the sun.
Sun Gazing Benefits and the Pineal Gland
The Pineal Gland, which is located near center-brain, secretes the hormone melatonin. This hormone helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, bolsters our immune system, and controls our reproductive hormones.
The pineal gland produces more melatonin at night when it is dark, signaling the body to prepare for sleep, whereas, the opposite happens once the sun is out.
The Pineal Gland is stimulated by the nerves of the eye when sunlight reaches the eye. Sun Gazing is essential for optimal functioning of this gland and the regulation of melatonin.
Sun Gazing and your Mood
Numerous studies have shown that sunlight has a positive effect on our mood. Exposure to sunlight, specifically at sunrise, has been shown to even reduce the length of stay in hospitals for certain patients.
Other studies have shown a positive correlation between sunlight exposure and cognitive function.
Sun Gazing Effect on Vitamin D
It is critical to our health that we learn about a Vitamin D Deficiency impact on our longevity. Vitamin D is often called nature’s Vitamin. We produce vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D deficiency plays a major role in chronic illnesses, as well as acute injuries. Read my full post on Vitamin D here.
Ancient Traditions and Sun Gazing
Ancient cultures were fascinated by the sun.
“Apart from the certainty of the death of our bodies, the only other certainty for us is the movement of the sun.”
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Ancient cultures have built gigantic sculptures throughout the world to capture the movement of the sun. Why? Perhaps they understood that human existence is dependent on the sun. Your health, your food, and your mental processes are all optimized by sunlight.
In Ayurvedic medicine, for example, twenty minutes of sun gazing is recommended in the mornings and evenings.
How to reap the healing benefits of Sun Gazing?
This is perhaps one of the simplest, most enjoyable “treatments” you will engage in! Wake up before sunrise, go outside and get a comfy seat, and stare at the sunrise for at least 20 minutes. That’s it!
For more activation of the Pineal Gland, you may walk, bare feet for at least 20 minutes, while staring directly at the sunrise.
Repeat at sunset!
You may start by doing just one session, until you can incorporate both times.
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