Sarvangasana: The shoulderstand

Figure showing shoulderstand

Points to check

Back vertical in line with legs
Legs vertical, feet relaxed
Elbows pulled towards each other

Benefits

Inverted posture, reverses effects of gravity
Relieves varicose veins
Stimulates circulation to face and brain
Strengthens abdominals
Encourages abdominal breathing

Precautions & Prohibitions

Inverted posture not to be done by people with high blood pressure, eye or ear problems, hiatus hernia.

Modifications

Practice half shoulder stand first
Place padding under elbows, spine & shoulders so that neck is not bent at right angle
For less strenuous posture, let pelvis rest on floor