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The Sanskrit word anga means limb or body. Therefore sarvanga either translates as "all-limbs" or "full-body posture". It is so named since its benefit cover the whole body. It is usually called the "Shoulder Stand" as you essentially stand on your shoulders. Benefits of Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) - The most important benefit of Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) is that the thyroid gland gets working at peak efficiency. The thyroid gland is mostly responsible for right weight and youthful looks.
- Sarvangasana also regulates the pituitary and sex glands.
- The Shoulder Stand stimulates the nerves, purifies the blood and promotes good circulation. Further, it strengthens the lower organs and helps them to remain firmly in place.
- Sarvangasana gives a healthy stretch to all the muscles of the neck.
- The Shoulder Stand is especially beneficial to people suffering from poor constipation, indigestion, blood circulation, asthma and low virility.
- Sarvangasana is particularly advocated for post-natal mothers and for those women suffering from painful menstruation, other women’s disorders, and seminal weakness.
Many consider the Shoulder Stand the most important Yoga posture. In fact, if you find your time limited in the course of Yoga class or at home, you are recommended to lay more stress on Sarvangasana.
When done in the mornings the Shoulder Stand is known to ease fatigue caused by too much or too little sleep. When performed in the evenings Sarvangasana helps promote deep, restful sleep. The Shoulder Stand also strengthens your back and helps alleviate lower backaches. The improved blood flow to the head and upper body, through the practise of the Shoulder Stand, helps heal a number of disorders including headaches, nasal congestion and sore throats. The body’s whole endocrine, digestive, nervous, and venous systems get invigorated in ways that no other type of diet or tradition exercise can do. Since the body is upturned a rich supply of oxygenated blood flows to the organs and glands in the upper body – the brain, thyroid and pituitary, and heart – thus revitalizing them. Pressure gets relieved from the lower body, thereby relieving aches and/or swelling of legs and feet. The Shoulder Stand also does great to abdominal organs helping the practitioner stimulate digestion and relieve gas /constipation. Regular practice of Sarvangasana stimulates your mind and helps to calm your entire nervous system.
Shoulder Stand Yoga In Pregnancy
Sarvangasana or the Shoulder Stand is considered the Queen of all yoga asanas and is usually practiced after Sirasana or the Headstand. Doing different poses of yoga like shoulder stand when pregnant is not usually safe and you should ensure that you have your doctor’s approval to practice this pose. Women who have already made this Shoulder stand a part of their yoga routine can practice it during pregnancy. If not, it is advisable to practice it only 8 weeks after childbirth. This Shoulder stand yoga posture should be avoided by not only those who are pregnant and have never practiced it before, but also by those who suffer with thyroid disorders or by women who are menstruating. It should also not be practiced if one is suffering from high blood pressure, headaches, diarrhea, or a neck injury. The yoga supported shoulder stand is known as Salamba Sarvangasana. This pose is recommended for intermediate to advanced yoga students.
Shoulder Stand Yoga With Props
It is recommended to practice Sarvangasana or the Shoulder Stand with some props so as to minimize the risk of physical injury. One yoga shoulder stand prop is a fold up a chair which can be used by people who cannot get high enough onto their shoulders to have a straight spine that is perpendicular to the floor. In this case, the chair should be positioned with its seat opened, and facing the back of the person. The arms and shoulders should be through the legs of the chair and grasping the back legs of the chair. The seat of the chair should be pulled into your lower back as this helps to support the torso. Another yoga shoulder stand prop one can use is a blanket. The technique for using blankets as a prop for this yoga posture is as follows. Take three or more firm blankets and fold each into a neat rectangle. Then carefully align them, with the folded edges, one on top of the other. The blankets should be at one end of the mat with the folded edges at one end of the mat. Keep in mind that the stack of blankets should be wider than your shoulders. They should also be deep enough so as to support you upper arms in this pose.
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