Benefits of Sarvangasana | Shoulder Stand Yoga

Yoga is one of the most ancient of all physical practices across the world. This ancient Indian tradition is useful for striking a harmonious balance between the body, mind and the soul. This is achieved with the help of a series of poses and postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.

There are several different poses and postures in yoga which have specific benefits for different parts of the body. Sarvangasana is one such posture which has several benefits. This is one of the most revered shoulder stand yoga poses and is often also known as the queen of poses.

Sarvangasana literally means ‘full body asana’ in Sanskrit. This means that the pose is beneficial for all of the body. This is an inverted yoga posture which includes several poses which are beneficial for different parts of the body. Some of the variations that are included in this posture are salamba sarvangasana which is a supported shoulder stand and allows an increase in the flow of blood to the brain.

Since this is an inverted stand, the major benefit that the body gets from this pose is that of reversing the effect of gravity of the body. Some of the other sarvangasana benefits are:

• Improvement of the overall health: Since the posture targets the entire body, almost all the muscles of the body are involved in it. This helps in toning and strengthening the entire body. The posture also helps stimulate the different organs, improves circulation of blood throughout the body, increases core strength, and improves the health of the nervous system.
• Improvement of blood circulation: Since the effect of gravity on the body is reversed when this exercise is performed, blood circulation receives a boost. Due to the inversion of the body, the brain temporarily receives more blood and therefore more oxygen, enabling it to function better.
• Improvement in respiratory functioning: Of all the shoulder stretching exercises, sarvangasana is one exercise that helps improve respiration. Since the blood circulation improves in the body, the aerobic capacity is also improved. This shoulder stretch improves the capacity of both the lower and the upper portion of the respiratory system. Respiratory disorders like bronchitis and asthma can also be eased by doing this pose.
• Improvement of digestion: With the improvement in overall health, the digestive system also benefits from this pose. Since the exercise helps stimulate the thyroid gland, the metabolism also receives a boost.

Sarvangasana: Shoulder Stand Yoga | Shoulder Stretch

Yoga is the ancient Indian tradition of body and mind fitness. Its aim is to harmonize the body, mind and spirit through a series of postures, breathing techniques and meditation. These postures are movements and stretches that when combined with breathing exercises prove very beneficial for the body. Yoga incorporates several postures, each addressing and benefiting one or more body functions. One such useful posture is the sarvangasana posture.

Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stretches

Sarvangasana yoga is often referred to as the queen of postures. The word ‘sarvangasana’ comes from Sanskrit and translates as ‘full body posture’, indicating its positive effect on the entire body. Sarvangasana is an inverted yoga posture. It includes several variations like salamba sarvangasana and setu banda sarvangasana; salamba sarvangasana is also known as the supported shoulder stand while the setu banda sarvangasana is commonly referred to as the bridge pose.

Shoulderstand Yoga

The biggest impact of sarvangasana is the reversing effect of gravity the body experiences when undertaking this pose. Sarvangasana tunes the body and improves functioning all in one go. The following is a list of sarvangasana benefits:

Improves Overall Health – Sarvangasana targets the entire body. Every muscle in the body is forced into action. This in turn stimulates corresponding organs and glands in the body. It also boosts blood circulation and energy flow as well as strengths the nervous system. Additionally, your muscles get toned, leaving you looking leaner and feeling lighter.

Boosts Circulation – Sarvangasana improves blood circulation along the body; this in turn boosts some body functions and at the same time relieves pressure experienced in other parts of the body. When assuming this posture, blood flow is directed from the lower region of the body towards the heart, boosting heart function. It also makes the heart’s job of pumping blood towards the brain much easier. On the other hand this pose is also beneficial for easing conditions like varicose veins.

Aids Respiratory Functions – Like the heart, the lungs too benefits greatly from this pose as it ensures oxygen supply to both the lower and upper regions of the lung. It is also very helpful in easing respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, nasal congestions and throat infections.

Improves Digestive Functions – Sarvangasana is excellent for those suffering from digestive disorders. It is especially effective in improving the body’s metabolism as it promotes thyroid function. The thyroid is situated in the neck. When one undertakes it posture, a fresh flow of blood and nutrients is directed to the thyroid gland, stimulating the gland. This posture is also helps resolve common problems like constipation and boosts digestion.

Boosts Sexual Function – This posture also boosts sexual function. As you assume the posture, fresh blood and nutrients are supplied to the reproductive organs. This is also a recommended posture for women trying to conceive. It also allows for blood purification and therefore is a useful posture for women post childhood and those suffering from painful menstruation.