How to practice Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana means a yoga pose for all the parts of the body.  Sarvangasana is one of the many inverted poses of Yoga which is extremely useful and beneficial.  Sarvangasana is also called as the queen or mother of all the asanas.

Sarvangasana also called as Shoulder Stand is a yoga pose which involves the muscles of the entire body.  It is one of the inverted yoga poses which helps to tone and stretch the body by working against the force of gravity.  There are a number of health benefits of practicing Sarvangasana on a regular basis.  Sarvangasana is one of the poses which improves blood circulation throughout the body.  

The blood flows from lower part of the body to the heart when you perform this asana.  This pose prevents the occurence of vericose veins in the legs.  The lungs are also strengthened by performing the Sarvangasana.   This pose helps to divert the flow of oxygen to the upper parts of the lungs thereby strengthening the lungs.

The Sarvangasana also helps in improving the health of Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck.  Due to lack of proper blood circulation, the thyroid gland starts to deteriorate.  The sarvangasana pushes healthy oxygen-rich blood directly into the neck strengthening the thyroid glands.

Steps to perform Sarvangasana

 Here are the important steps and the correct way to do this asana.

• Lie down  flat on the floor, on your back, palms by your side facing
• Exhale and lift your legs up 30, then 60, then 90 and then around 130 degrees so they are extended behind your head.
  
• Stay in this position, breathing normally, for a few seconds.
• Now, gradually, exhale again, and straighten your legs up to 90 degrees, lifting your buttocks as well. Support the back of your trunk with your palms, keeping elbows on the floor. Gradually, walk your hands towards your shoulder blades, as you lift your body higher.
• Your elbows may tend to move outwards. Bring them in, so they are straight in line with your shoulders.
  
• You will notice that your hips tend to jut out backwards, while your feet tend to come forward over the head. This is not the right way to do it. Work at it so your body is in a straight line. Your hips, feet and shoulders should be aligned, so push your feet back and bring your hips and tailbone forward. Remember, this exercise is not as much about effort as it is about balance.
  
• Lift your body as high up as possible. Sarvangasana is a shoulder stand, so your body should be resting on your shoulders and not on your back.
  
• Hold this position for as long as possible.
  
• Remember to exhale while lifting your body up, but once your body is up, you can breathe normally. There is no need to hold your breath.
  
• Time yourself, so you can see how long you can remain in this position. The next time, try and balance your body for a little longer.

Benefits of Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana is considered to be the Queen of Yoga Asanas.  This is because of the number of benefits it provides to us.  The Asana helps the body, mind and soul.  The Sarvangasana is very effective for people suffering from Thyroid problems.  The complete relief of the nervous system is another benefit from this asana.  

The Sarvangasana also provides relief from asthma, shortness of breath  and digestive problems due to junk food.   This asana is normally performed in early morning hours.  The asana relieves you from fatigue associated with less sleep.  Here are some of the benefits of Sarvangasana.

• The Sarvangasana provides good sleep if practiced in the evening hours
• The asana helps in treating back problems and back ache
• Provides relief from sore throats, head ache and congestion of nose also
• Thyroid efficiency is improved
• Blood circulation through out the body is improved
• The Sarvangasana helps in respiratory functions
• Improves digestive system
• Improves blood circulation to brain
• Sarvangasana helps in reducing Blood Pressure by acting on the carotid sinuses in the neck.  So this asana helps people with slightly high blood pressure.  How ever people who have excessively high blood pressure should not practice this asana as this initially increases blood pressure.

Here is a video showing the way on how to practice Sarvangasana.