Sarvangasana has a wide array of health benefits. Before getting into the Sarvangasana benefits & precautions, let us first dig into its origin!
Hindu God Lord Shiva is considered to be the “First” one in the universe, who had “the knowledge of Yoga.” According to Hindu ancient texts, there are 84 basic postures in Yoga. Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand) posture is very important pose among it.
This asana is called the mother of all the asanas due to its wide range of health benefits across the body. It is one of the yoga asanas which makes our body immune system very strong.
How Shoulder stand Yoga benefits the body?
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So, first things first! Let us find out ‘the advantages‘ within the Sarvangasana benefits & precautions.
By sending increased blood flow to the neck, chest and stomach regions, it helps to reduce and cure ailments like breathlessness, palpitation, and asthma. It is also beneficial in nervous system disorders like stress, fatigue, sleeplessness and mood swings.
As it increases the supply of blood and nutrients to the scalp region, it has a magical effect against hair fall, graying hair and hair loss. Shoulder stand asana is an inverted pose. As a result, the blood rushes to the body’s upper section. Consequently, fresh blood and oxygen reach your face and effectively gets rid of dark circles.
With a positive effect on the digestive system, it provides relief to chronic constipation and piles as well.
Advantages for Women
It is beneficial for the reproductive system as fresh blood rushes to the pelvic region and idle blood is flushed from the organs improving the performance of the reproductive organs. It powers the uterine ligaments and corrects the uterus misplacement. Ovaries function is also enhanced with this asana.
How to do Sarvangasana pose?
Initially, Sarvangasana can be challenging for people with heavy hips or big bellies. But with some practice, you can do it very well.
Not to forget that Sarvangasana is also the best pose to prepare for Shirshasana.
- Lie down in a horizontal position with your stomach facing above.
- Now, raise your legs slowly upward to a 90° angle.
- Bring your legs towards the head by elevating your buttocks up.
- Raise your legs, stomach, and chest attempting to form a straight line.
- Place the palms on your back for support.
Wrong practices to avoid
- Bend your knees.
- Move the neck in the chin lock position.
- Bring the legs over the head when in the asana position but don’t keep them completely vertical if it causes tension.
- Raise the head from the floor.
- Tense the legs as this contracts the legs and prevents drainage of blood.
How long to do Shoulder stand asana?
The best time to practice Shoulder stand pose is in the morning before breakfast. After you wake up, empty your stomach, take a shower and start the practice. You can also practice this pose after early sunset with an empty or semi-empty stomach.
Duration of exercise
- As a beginner, try to stay in this asana for at least 30 seconds.
- Increase this duration by 5-7 seconds every day.
- Your final goal is to remain in this pose for about 3 minutes.
- Perform this asana with blanket support under the shoulders.
Who should not do Shoulder stand pose?
In the continuation of Sarvangasana benefits & precautions, now let us talk about the safeguard before diving into this exercise.
The patients with high blood pressure, and women going through menstruation. It is also not for the people with weak spines because the weight placed on the cervical spine may cause a neck injury.
Yoga poses that consist of poses that require moving forward to backward and similar ones should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy as it could affect the implantation of the embryo. Shoulder stand yoga falls in this category. In pregnant women, it may cause nausea or dizziness coupled with an increased risk of falls and injuries.
So, open your heart and welcome this new asana in your yoga regime, check the infographic below explore the key points of Sarvangasana if you want a visual recapitulation!
Archie Jha is a holistic nutritionist, beauty and wellness expert with more than a decade experience.She like to share her knowledge through her blog posts.
