Acclaimed Yogi B.K.S Iyengar in his famous book “Light on yoga” has described Sarvangasana as the queen of all yoga asanas. Have you ever wondered why Shouldestand gets such distinguished praise? What is so special about this particular inversion?
Well, it is known as the mother of all yoga postures because the entire body is engaged when the asana is performed and greatly influences the functioning of all the body parts. Just as the mother is the harbinger of peace and harmony at home, similarly a regular practice of shoulderstand creates consonance in the nervous and endocrine system for a vibrant living. In addition to the various therapeutic benefits of the shoulder stand pose, it is considered an essential posture for several reasons: Sarvangasana precedes Sirsasana, it is learned before headstand and is much complicated and sophisticated in nature than headstand. Although Sarvangasana can be performed independently of Sirsasana, the reverse is not usually encouraged, and this makes Sarvangasana indispensable, like a mother or a queen.
Steps For Practicing the shoulder stand posture (Sarvangasana):
- Lie on your back on a yoga mat. Stretch your legs out and keep your arms alongside your body with palms facing down.
- Bend your knees and bring your heels close to your hips.
- Upon exhalation, compress your arms into the floor. Lift your feet off the floor and draw your thighs towards the upper body.
- Lift the back away from the ground and place your hands on your lower back for support.
- Raise your pelvic bone over your shoulders and keep your torso perpendicular to the floor.
- Inhale; straighten your legs towards the ceiling bringing your body into a straight line from the crown of the head to the toes of the feet.
- Soften the gaze and look towards the chest.
Here are the top ten Sarvangasana Benefits:
- Hair Fall Reduction: Several individuals complain about hair fall and are on the lookout for an alternative system to pills, treatments for long-lasting results. The practice of mysterious shoulderstand pose increases the supply of blood and nutrients in the scalp thus massaging the scalp and effectively reducing the hair fall and premature greying of the hair.
- Therapeutic for Thyroid: The practice of shoulderstand pose enhances the blood flow to the thyroid and parathyroid glands which stimulates their functioning and ensures good health of these glands thus preventing the onset of the thyroid.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: In the Sarvangasana, the body is in an inverted position which allows the oxygenated blood to circulate through the heart, thus resulting in optimal functioning of the heart. It also prevents palpitations resulting in better heart health.
- Soothe the nervous system: Those who are easily agitated or are more prone to anger, anxiety and nervous breakdown may practice Sarvangasana. The daily practice of shoulderstand pose produces a calming effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and provides a greater mental stability to the sadhaks( practitioners).
- Strong Digestive Health: We often fill our stomachs with zero-nutrition food, junk delicacies, etc., that give rise to digestive problems. Shoulder stand when performed regularly aids in digestion. The gravitational pull on the body affects the abdominal muscles which result in free bowel movement and indigestion, constipation is relieved.
- Increases Strength and Flexibility: The Sarvangasana increases the flexibility of the spine and opens the chest. When practiced with correct alignment, shoulderstand strengthens the upper body, legs, and abdominal muscles. It allows shoulders to move to the back body, thus correcting the bad posture caused due to constant sitting and hunching. It also increases strength in the back and tones the muscles.
- Improves Circulation and Prevents Varicose Veins: Since the shoulderstand requires a practitioner to go upside down, it naturally reverses the blood flow from the downward direction to the upward direction. When we stand upright again, fresh blood flows to the legs, thereby improving blood circulation in the body while preventing varicose veins in the legs.
- Triggers the Vishuddha ( Throat Chakra): Shoulderstand stimulates the visuddah, the fifth chakra associated with expression, creativity, and communication.When this chakra is ignited, we can easily transform the negative feelings into the pearls of wisdom and learning. The opening of the fifth chakra harmoniously attunes the person with inner and outer vibrations.
- Relieves Common Cold: In the Sarvangasana, the chin is in close contact with the chest and the head stays on the ground in a firm position. The blood supply to the neck and the head gets enhanced. This helps relieve nasal congestion, common cold, and headaches.
- Assists in Sound Sleep: The shoulder stand posture provides multiple physical and mental benefits that balance the body and calm the mind. When a person enjoys robust health and tension-free life, they are able to have a restful sleep.
Make shoulder stand a part of your daily life and feel a sense of peace, confidence, and well being. Ensure you do it under the supervision of an experienced teacher for safe and healthy results.
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