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Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and its Benefits

Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand Pose
Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand Pose

Image Credit: Marcocarvalho [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]
In Sanskrit Sarva means ‘all’ and anga means ‘limbs’ and asana means ‘pose’ or posture.
Sarvangasana is an inversion used at the end of a yoga practice session. It encourages cleansing blood flow throughout the body and promotes an inner sense of calm.
Sarvangasana is also known as shoulder stand pose.

How to do Sarvangasana

  • Lie down on your back.
  • Keep your arms straight on the ground next to your body. Palms should be facing down.
  • Raise your legs, buttocks and upper body while taking a deep breath and keep them straight up. Put hands on your back for support.
  • Stretch your legs up as straight as you can. Try and get yourself in as straight position as possible. The objective is to put your weight on your shoulders with hands providing support on your back. Breathe deeply and stay in the posture for 30-60 seconds.
  • Lower your back, buttocks, legs, arms on ground slowly while exhaling. Get back to original position. Relax for 60 seconds while taking deep breaths.

Benefits of Sarvangasana

  • Sarvangasana increases blood circulation to brain and heart.
  • It strengthens shoulders, back, elbow joints, arms, legs and neck. It keeps spine flexible.
  • It reduces stress.
  • It gives a feeling of rejuvenation.
  • It increases memory power.
  • It adds glow to the skin. It gives beauty to the face and tightens facial muscles.
  • Sarvangasana is referred as queen of asanas. It is thought to awaken kundalini which is the primary energy force coiled at the base of the spine.
  • It opens the throat chakra or visuddha chakra which is thought to be the purification center of the body. Throat Chakra influences creativity.
  • Sarvangasana influences functioning of all parts of our body. It is beneficial in maintaining mental and physical health.
  • It stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands and normalizes their functions.
  • It brings relief from constipation, indigestion and varicose veins.

Contraindications

  • Before doing Sarvangasana consult your physician, if you are going through following health conditions: Pregnancy, Menstruation, High Blood Pressure, Heart Problem, Glaucoma, Slip Disc, Spondylosis, Neck Pain and Acute Thyroid Problem.
Yoga practice helps develops the body and mind bringing lot of health benefits. However, it is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a yoga teacher initially and then practice them on our own independently.
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