Benefits of Sarvangasana – The Shoulderstand
Known as the queen of poses, second only to the king (the headstand), the shoulderstand has many physical and mental benefits. Just being upside down in these poses has multiple benefits.
Blood can flow more freely to the upper part of the body, flushing it with oxygenated blood. The head and neck position in the pose also stimulates the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates the body’s metabolism, how the body uses energy, makes protein, and sensitivity to other hormones. For this reason, anyone with a sluggish or underactive thyroid should add the shoulder stand to their regular regimen. Meanwhile, the lower body is relieved of pressure, making it an excellent pose for those who suffer from swollen legs or feet.
The blood flow to the brain while the body is inverted can help relieve congestion, headaches, calm the mind, improve concentration, and even alleviate depression. Anyone suffering from fatigue, MS, or similar syndromes can benefit from regular practice of this asana. Doing the shoulder stand at night can also help promote deeper, more restful sleep.
The shoulderstand inversion gives your heart a break, making it easier to pump oxygenated blood to your head, but it also has similar benefits for your lungs. The gravitational pull on the body causes the lower lung tissue to compress more than the upper tissues. Therefore, breathing deeply into the pose can be very beneficial for asthma sufferers and people with breathing difficulties.
Changing the gravitational pull on the body has more benefits, it also affects the abdominal organs, so it can relieve constipation and improve overall digestion.
However, the Shoulderstand is not suitable for all women and should be avoided by most women during menstruation, especially on “busier” days. It is also not advisable during pregnancy, although those who shoulder stand before pregnancy can continue to do so. The nature of the pose means that it is also not recommended for those with high blood pressure. Those who struggle with eye problems like glaucoma and retinal detachment should also avoid it.
Execution of the shoulder stand
Lie on the floor in a supine position with your arms at your sides and the back of your neck resting on the floor.
Keeping your neck and shoulders on the floor, roll your legs up, then roll higher through your torso.
Place your hands on your buttocks, and then push your body toward the ceiling, moving your hands up your back toward your shoulders.
You are trying to climb as high as possible on the shoulders, straightening the back as much as possible. But you can develop this through practice.
Breathe deeply through the practice. Inflate your belly as you inhale and draw your navel in toward your spine as you exhale.
The pose can be held for up to 2 minutes, but beginners can start as early as 45 seconds and increase with practice.