Sarvanghasana (Shoulderstand)

Back to core postures

Sarvanghasana is referred as the " Queen of the asanas". To keep perfect health, Swami Sivananda recommends Headstand, Shoulderstand and Forward Bend.

Lie flat on back, feet together, arms stretched next to the body. Inhale raise both legs up and exhale raise the hip, walk the palms on the back straightening the spine. Rest on the shoulders and breathe normally. Bring elbows close together and straighten the back.

Benefits

• Shoulderstand strengthens and balances the thyroid fuction. Thyroid supervises all the other glands, regulates body metabolism, heat production and controls heart rate.
• Thyroid promotes protein synthesis and proper growth of muscle and bone tissues.
• Strengthens immunity to various respiratory and throat ailments.
• Indigestion, constipation and stomach troubles are eliminated.
• Throat, thoraic region are strengthened and cervical region is stretched.

Counter-Indications

Students should not practice Sarvanghasana if they


• have neck problems
• are pregnant- use wall for support and can do half shoulderstand.

Common Mistakes

• Legs separate and tensed. Tension in calf muscles and feet.
• Elbows too far apart and unevenly placed.
• Palms on the back are bearing the body weight.