Benfits of Sarvangasana - The Shoulderstand
Known as the Queen of poses, second only to the King (the headstand), the shoulderstand has many physical and mental benefits.
The very fact of being upside down in these poses has multiple benefits.
Blood can flow more freely to the upper body, flushing it with oxygenated blood.
The position of the head and neck in the pose also stimulates the thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland in the neck that regulates the body's metabolism, how the body uses energy, makes proteins, and sensitivity to other hormones.
For this reason, anyone with a sluggish or underactive thyroid should add the shoulderstand to their regular regime.
Meanwhile, the lower body is relieved of pressure, so is an excellent pose for those suffering with swollen legs or feet.
The flushing of blood into the brain whilst the body is inverted can help alleviate congestion, headaches, calm the mind, improve focus, and even alleviate mild depression.
Anyone struggling with fatigue, M.
E.
or similar syndromes can benefit from regular practice of this asana.
Doing the shoulderstand in the evening can also help to promote a deeper, more restful sleep.
The shoulderstand inversion gives the heart a break, making it easier to pump oxygenated blood to the head, but it also has similar benefits for the lungs.
The gravitational pull in the body causes lower lung tissue to be more compressed than the upper tissues.
Breathing deeply in the pose can therefore be hugely beneficial for asthma sufferers and those with respiratory difficulties.
The change of the gravitational pull on the body has further benefits, it affects the abdominal organs too, so can alleviate constipation and improve general digestion.
However, the shoulderstand is not suitable for everyone, and should be avoided by most women during menstruation, particularly "heavier" days.
It is also unadvisable for during pregnancy, although those that practice the shoulderstand before pregnancy are able to continue to do so.
The nature of the pose means it is also unadvisable for those with high blood pressure.
Those struggling with eye problems such as glaucoma & detached retina should also avoid.
Performing the shoulderstand Lie on floor supine with arms by your side, and the back of the neck long on the floor.
Keeping the neck and shoulders on the floor, roll the legs upwards and then roll higher up through the torso.
Place the hands on to the buttocks, and then push the body up towards the ceiling, walking the hands further up the back towards the shoulders.
You are trying to come as high up onto the shoulders as possible, straightening the back as much as possible.
But can develop this through practice.
Breathe deeply through the practice.
Inflating the belly on the inhalation, and drawing the navel back towards the spine on the exhalation.
The pose can be held for up to 2 minutes, but beginners can start from 45 seconds and build up with practice.
The very fact of being upside down in these poses has multiple benefits.
Blood can flow more freely to the upper body, flushing it with oxygenated blood.
The position of the head and neck in the pose also stimulates the thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland in the neck that regulates the body's metabolism, how the body uses energy, makes proteins, and sensitivity to other hormones.
For this reason, anyone with a sluggish or underactive thyroid should add the shoulderstand to their regular regime.
Meanwhile, the lower body is relieved of pressure, so is an excellent pose for those suffering with swollen legs or feet.
The flushing of blood into the brain whilst the body is inverted can help alleviate congestion, headaches, calm the mind, improve focus, and even alleviate mild depression.
Anyone struggling with fatigue, M.
E.
or similar syndromes can benefit from regular practice of this asana.
Doing the shoulderstand in the evening can also help to promote a deeper, more restful sleep.
The shoulderstand inversion gives the heart a break, making it easier to pump oxygenated blood to the head, but it also has similar benefits for the lungs.
The gravitational pull in the body causes lower lung tissue to be more compressed than the upper tissues.
Breathing deeply in the pose can therefore be hugely beneficial for asthma sufferers and those with respiratory difficulties.
The change of the gravitational pull on the body has further benefits, it affects the abdominal organs too, so can alleviate constipation and improve general digestion.
However, the shoulderstand is not suitable for everyone, and should be avoided by most women during menstruation, particularly "heavier" days.
It is also unadvisable for during pregnancy, although those that practice the shoulderstand before pregnancy are able to continue to do so.
The nature of the pose means it is also unadvisable for those with high blood pressure.
Those struggling with eye problems such as glaucoma & detached retina should also avoid.
Performing the shoulderstand Lie on floor supine with arms by your side, and the back of the neck long on the floor.
Keeping the neck and shoulders on the floor, roll the legs upwards and then roll higher up through the torso.
Place the hands on to the buttocks, and then push the body up towards the ceiling, walking the hands further up the back towards the shoulders.
You are trying to come as high up onto the shoulders as possible, straightening the back as much as possible.
But can develop this through practice.
Breathe deeply through the practice.
Inflating the belly on the inhalation, and drawing the navel back towards the spine on the exhalation.
The pose can be held for up to 2 minutes, but beginners can start from 45 seconds and build up with practice.
