The Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

Sarvangasana means 'all the body' in sanskrit. This posture is one of the best yoga exercise often seen being practiced in many beauty salons, gymnasiums, and health clubs. But without the deep breathing with this exercise, it does not have much therapeutic value and will not be considered a yoga posture.

The Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

It can be done by all age groups, male or female.

Technique

Lie flat on your back. rise your legs and spine until the toes point to the ceiling, inhaling deeply

Supported by the hands, body rests on the shoulder and back of the neck. Keep your spine and legs straight.

Concentraring on the thyriod gland, breath slowly and deeply with abdomen. The thyriod gland is located behind the adams apple for men and for women in the same area which is a few inches above the sternal notch(hollow of the neck where the neck joins the rest of the body.) or approximately half way up the neck from the sternal notch. Stay in this position for about two minutes.

To come out of this posture, just bend your knees, curve your back and slowly return to lying on the floor while exhaling. First bend your knees, put the palms on the floor, then curving the spine, gradually unfold it the way one unrolls a carpet. When your entire back touches the floor, straighten the knees, take a deep breath and slowly lower your legs to the ground while breathing out.

You may go straight into the next posture (the 'reverse posture') instead of lying down.

The Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

Benefits The Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

This pose helps the thyriod gland work at peak efficiency which is reasponsible for youthful and correct weight.

The shoulder stand also regulates the sex glands.

It vitalizes the nerves, purifies the blood and promote good circulation, strengthens the lower organs and helps them to stay in place.

Gives healthy massage to the neck muscles.

Benificial for people suffering from poor circulation, constipation, indigestion, asthma and reduced virility.

Recommended for women after childbirth and for those suffering from painful menstruation, other female disorders, and seminal weakness.

Time:

Be in this position for 20 secs to 6 mins, adding 20 seconds per week.

Caution:
Patients having disorders of the thyroid gland shouldn't do this exercise . If you are suffering from chronic nasal catarrh, take a caution.