The Many Benefits of Inversions

Hi There!

I am just coming from a gruelling Inversion class and need to practice those some more for sure! 

Amazing how much these inversions improve one's posture if done correctly.  Since in every pose its the base that has to work to bring the stability to the overall posture, inversions then allow the shoulders, neck and chest area to work in coordination and vastly improve.

In headstand the press of the outer wrists, the the lift of the trapezius, and the press of the shoulder blades in towards the chest, brings a whole different experience to the pose.  In shoulder stand the lift of the chest towards the face as the outer tips of the shoulders press down brings similar benefit.

My favorite benefit of inversions however is the almost automatic face lift they give you :) When my teacher told me headstands made one more attractive I thought she was just kidding around as per usual. Well apparently not as by reversing the effects of gravity and bringing fresh blood to the facial muscles, the face takes on a whole new countenance.

I will speak more on this in the future but for now, since our focus at the time is on prenatal yoga, here is a video showing how shoulderstand can be accessed by someone who is pregnant or in a weakened condition. And hey! Even if you fall into neither or those categories this way of doing shoulderstand is designed to let you stay in proper alignment for longer and thats when the benefits really soak in. A few props will come in handy. So have them ready.  Inversions are worth it!

Purpose of the Props

Chair - to keep the body inverted without much effort

Stricky mat - to prevent the back body from slipping

Blankets - to keep the chest open

Strap - to allow baddhokonasana (boudned angle legs)

Wall - for reinforcement

It is my pleasure sharing yoga with you. Do make sure to check out my other videos and stay tuned for more! 

Namaste,

Asha.