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Shoulderstand (sarvangasana)

 

 

Sarvangasana is my favorite pose. It is a very good pose for providing a calming energy that nourishes the body and the spirit.

This pose strengthens your entire body and at the same time stimulates your spine and thyroid gland. Your thyroid glad is responsible for controlling your automatic body functions such as your metabolism and your body temperature.

One thing to make sure of is to stay focused in this pose and relaxed. DO NOT turn your head from side to side and try and make sure your legs are together and your calves and feet are relaxed and not tense.

 

A resource for you that is very helpful and I highly recommend is Scientific Keys Vol 1 - The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga, It is an excellent book that details the muscle and bone alignments for the shoulderstand as well as many other postures. It has brought my training to a whole new level. (The ability to visualize what is happening inside the body can really make alot of the more difficult poses easier to do). They have a free first chapter on the site, I encourage you to check it out.

 

How to do this pose .

1. Lie on your back your legs extended and feet together.

2. Place your arms beside your body with palms on the floor.

3. Press your palms into the floor and raise your legs up to 90 degrees

4. Lift your hips and lower back off the floor.

5. Bend your elbows and place your hand's on your lower back.

6. Press your elbows and upper arms into the floor to support your body

7. Move your shoulder blades together and bring your elbows as close together as possible (without straining)

8. Walk your hands up your back to your Shoulder blades

9. Straighten you back and legs as much as possible (your knees however should NOT be locked)

10. Relax your neck and shoulders

11. Hold for 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

12. To come out of this pose lower your legs to a 45 degree angel over your head. Then place your palms on the floor and slowly roll your spine back down onto the floor.

 

I hope you enjoy this pose as much as me, it is my favorite pose and I never want to come out of it. It feels so peaceful and relaxing. I wish you all the best and do not forget to sign up for our RSS feed to the left to be notified of new pages as they come.

 

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