Sarvangasana-a Yogasana for Entire Body

DrSri
DrSri, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 4, 2008 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Sarvangasana is an important asana in Yoga where most parts of our body are benefited.It offers many health related benefits.Here is the correct way of doing it:
1. Lie down flat on the floor, on your back, palms by your side facing down.
2. Exhale and lift your legs up 30, then 60, then 90 and then around 130 degrees so they are extended behind your head.
3. Stay in this position, breathing normally, for a few seconds.
4. Now, gradually, exhale again, and straighten your legs up to 90 degrees, lifting your buttocks as well. Support the back of your trunk with your palms, keeping elbows on the floor. Gradually, walk your hands towards your shoulder blades, as you lift your body higher. Look at the picture for guidance.
5. Your elbows may tend to move outwards. Bring them in, so they are straight in line with your shoulders.
6. You will notice that your hips tend to jut out backwards, while your feet tend to come forward over the head. This is not the right way to do it. Work at it so your body is in a straight line. Your hips, feet and shoulders should be aligned, so push your feet back and bring your hips and tailbone forward. Remember, this exercise is not as much about effort as it is about balance.
7. Lift your body as high up as possible. Sarvangasana is a shoulder stand, so your body should be resting on your shoulders and not on your back.
8. Hold this position for as long as possible.
9. Remember to exhale while lifting your body up, but once your body is up, you can breathe normally. There is no need to hold your breath.
10. Time yourself, so you can see how long you can remain in this position. The next time, try and balance your body for a little longer.

The Benefits of this Asana are:
Circulation

Sarvangasana helps promote good circulation, as it directs the flow of the entire lower body towards the heart. This asana also helps prevent and reduce varicose veins by reducing the pressure on the legs and directing blood clogged in the veins upwards to the heart.

Lungs

When we breathe, thanks to gravity our lower lungs get most of the oxygen, while our upper lungs don't. Only when we take a deep breath do our upper lungs get some oxygen. Inverted yoga asanas also direct oxygen to the upper lung, ensuring healthier lung tissue.

Heart

Usually the heart has to work hard to ensure blood gets pushed upward to the brain. During Sarvangasana the heart gets relief as the blood is directly relayed to the brain.

Thyroid

The thyroid gland is located in the neck. Over a period of time due to lack of proper circulation the gland starts to deteriorate. Sarvangasana pushes healthy, oxygen-rich blood directly into the neck, strengthening the thyroid glands.

***Caution

Women should not do any inverted poses during menstruation as it reverses blood flow. People suffering from blood pressure, glaucoma, hernias, cardiovascular disease, cervical spondylitis, thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, and kidney problems should not practice headstand. Those suffering from neck injuries should perform this exercise after consulting a yoga teacher, under supervision.

Published by DrSri

I am an Ayurvedic Physician, practicing Ayurveda and Yoga. I have a fair knowledge of Allopathy and other Alternative Medicines like Herbal Medicine and Naturopathy, besides Diet and Nutrition.  View profile

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