Shoulder Stand - An Easy Yoga Pose That Benefits Your Whole Body
Feeling fatigue? By doing a shoulder stand for 2 to 20 minutes, you can stimulate your entire body. In this pose, you increase circulation in the chest, shoulders, upper back and neck. The many benefits are outlined below.
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) Technique:
1. Lie flat on your back. Inhale deeply and raise your legs and spine, pointing your toes to the ceiling.
2. Keep your neck and shoulders on the floor or mat.
3. Rest your lower body on your shoulders and back of your neck. Support your body by your hands, which are in the center of your spine between your shoulder blades and waist. Keep your spine and legs straight.
4. Breathe deeply into the abdomen or hara. Stay in this position for 2-20 minutes.
5. To come out of the posture, bend your knees, curve your back and slowly return to lying on the floor. Exhale your way down.
Benefits:
- Stimulates your thyroid gland, which is responsible for your weight and youthful appearance
- Regulates your sex glands
- Promotes circulation
- Strengthens your lower organs
- Stretches your neck muscles
- Good for people suffering from poor circulation, constipation, indigestion and asthma
- Energizes your body
If you have any of the symptoms below, refrain from practicing:
- Menstruating
- High blood pressure
- Migraine or tension headache
- Neck or shoulder problems
- Thyroid gland disorder
Notes:
- If you are not properly aligned when practicing the shoulder stand, you can strain and compress your vertebrae.
- Do not turn your head while in shoulder stand.
- Keep pressure off your neck and make sure your neck keeps its natural curve.
- You may have to use blankets as a prop to assist with this pose. Be sure they are folded carefully so your neck is aligned properly.
What yoga class should you begin with? Click here for a description of yoga styles and their benefits.
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Tags: energize body, increase circulation, regulate, shoulder stand, stimulate thyroid, strengthen muscles, Yoga
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