Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS:
Thyroid disorders
Asthma
Reproductive problems
Headache
Haemorrhoids
Varicose veins
Prevention of cough and colds
Diabetes
One should concentrate on getting the legs, waist and the back in one straight line and making this line 90 degrees with the ground. In this asana the arms up to the elbows are placed on the floor, shoulder width apart. The body from the feet to the shoulders is in a straight line. The chest is pushed forward and the chin is placed in the throat pit / jugular notch forming a tie which is called 'Jalandhar Bandha'. All the pressure is on the neck, shoulders and the back of the head. The hands are placed on the back ribs, the legs are straight and the feet are relaxed.
Gaze softly at your chest. As a beginning practitioner stay in the pose for about 30 seconds. Gradually add 5 to 10 seconds to your stay every day or so until you can comfortably hold the pose for 3 minutes. Then continue for 3 minutes each day for a week or two, until you feel relatively comfortable in the pose
When it is dangerous to practice it?
It's an inverted yoga posture engaging all parts of the body and stretching the shoulders, neck and upper back. As the body is inverted blood pressure is higher in the upper extremity of the body because of the force of gravity.
Precautions for Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
- Sarvangasana must not be practiced during pregnancy and while menstruation.
- If you suffer from any of this condition avoid practicing this pose: high blood pressure, slipped disc, spinal ailments, heart problems, cervical spondylitis, weal eye vessels, thrombosis, neck or shoulder pain, oversized thyroid gland, liver or spleen.