What is Sarvangasa?
Sarvanga means all the parts of the body and this asana affects all the parts of the body, therefore it is called Sarvangasa. This yoga pose is also known as Shoulderstand. In Sanskrit, the word "Sarva" means "all" and "Anga" means "body parts," thus, Sarvangasana means "the posture of the whole body." It is an advanced yoga pose that involves lifting the entire body up so that the weight of the body is supported by the shoulders, neck, and upper arms.
Sarvangasana has numerous benefits, both for the body and the mind. It stimulates the thyroid gland and regulates metabolism, which helps to maintain hormonal balance in the body. It also helps to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and reduce the symptoms of menopause. Sarvangasana is also beneficial for the nervous system as it calms the mind, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality.
To practice Sarvangasana, you need to lie down on your back and lift your legs up, keeping them straight. Then, you should support your lower back with your hands and bring your legs over your head until your toes touch the floor behind your head. Once you are in this position, you should lift your hips and straighten your legs up towards the ceiling, so that your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your toes. You can also place your hands on your back for support and hold the pose for a few breaths before gently releasing it.
What are the health benefits of Sarvangasana?
Sarvangasana, helps to remove problems with semen, this exercise promotes the secretions of the thyroid, thus toning up the whole body and nourishing the blood and nerves. It is also beneficial in hernias, constipation, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver ailments. It is said to cure even leprosy when practiced regularly in conjunction with a special diet. This asana makes the thyroid gland healthier and therefore benefits all organs because the thyroid gland strengthens all organs. It is also helpful to awaken the mystic Kundalini. This asana is regarded next only to the king of all asanas-shirsha asana.
Sarvangasana, or Shoulderstand, is a yoga pose that offers a wide range of physical, mental health, and emotional benefits. Some of the key health benefits of practicing Sarvangasana regularly include:
Improves Blood Circulation
Inverted yoga poses like Sarvangasana stimulate the flow of blood to the brain and improve circulation throughout the body. This can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, boost energy levels, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Strengthens the Upper Body
Holding the body in the shoulderstand position requires a significant amount of strength and stability in the upper body, particularly in the shoulders, arms, and neck. Regular practice of Sarvangasana can help to build strength in these areas and improve posture.
Balances Hormones
Sarvangasana is known to stimulate the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism and hormone production in the body. Practicing this pose regularly can help to balance hormones, reduce symptoms of menopause, and improve overall reproductive health.
Improves Digestion
The inverted position of Sarvangasana can help to improve digestion by stimulating the digestive organs and promoting the flow of digestive juices. This can help to reduce bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues.
Calms the Mind
 Sarvangasana is a calming pose that can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and other mental and emotional imbalances. It can also help to improve sleep quality and promote a sense of overall well-being.
How does Sarvangasana perfectly at home?
While Sarvangasana is an advanced yoga pose that should ideally be practiced under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher, it is possible to practice it safely at home with proper preparation and precautions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to practice Sarvangasana at home:
Warm-up
 It is important to warm up your body before attempting Sarvangasana. You can do some gentle yoga poses or stretches to loosen up your muscles and prepare your body for inversion.
Props
Using props can make practicing Sarvangasana more comfortable and safer. You can use a folded blanket or a yoga bolster under your shoulders to support your neck and spine. You can also use blocks or a chair to support your feet and legs.
Lie Down on Your Back
Start by lying down on your back with your arms by your sides and your palms facing down and your legs stretched out. Relax the body.
Lift Your Legs
Slowly lift your legs up towards the ceiling, when the legs make an angle of 30 degrees with the ground, remain in that position for five seconds. Now again raise the legs till they make an angle of 60 degrees, again remaining there for 5 seconds. Then again raise the legs till they make an angle of 90 degrees and remain there for five seconds. Now keeping the legs straight, bring them towards the head till they make an angle of 120 degrees. Now lift the legs upwards as far as possible and support your lower back with your hands and elbows to help lift your legs and the chin would be touching the throat.
Support Your Back
 Once your legs are up, bring your hands to your lower back for support. Lift your hips and bring your legs over your head until your toes touch the floor behind your head.
Lift Your Body
Slowly lift your body off the floor, pressing your arms and shoulders into the ground. Keep your gaze towards your toes and breathe deeply.
Come Out of the Pose
 To come out of the pose, slowly lower your body back down to the floor, one vertebrae at a time. Release your hands from your back and lower your legs back down to the floor.
Rest
After practicing Sarvangasana, it is important to rest in Savasana (Corpse pose) for a few minutes to allow your body to relax and integrate the benefits of the pose.
Sarvangasana should be done for half a minute, then its time should be increased by half a minute every week till it is done for 12 minutes.
Remember to practice with caution, and to stop immediately if you feel any discomfort or pain. It is also important to avoid practicing Sarvangasana if you have any neck or shoulder injuries, high blood pressure, or glaucoma.
What are the Sarvangasana health benefits for women?
Sarvangasana, or Shoulderstand, is a yoga pose that offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for women. Some of the key health benefits of practicing Sarvangasana regularly include:
Regulates Hormones
Sarvangasana is known to stimulate the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism and hormone production in the body. Practicing this pose regularly can help to balance hormones, reduce symptoms of menopause, and improve overall reproductive health.
Reduces Menstrual Discomfort
Sarvangasana can help to relieve menstrual discomfort by improving blood circulation in the pelvic region and stimulating the reproductive organs.
Strengthens the Upper Body
Holding the body in the shoulderstand position requires a significant amount of strength and stability in the upper body, particularly in the shoulders, arms, and neck. Regular practice of Sarvangasana can help to build strength in these areas and improve posture, which can be particularly beneficial for women who spend long hours sitting at a desk or computer.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Sarvangasana is a calming pose that can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and other mental and emotional imbalances that are common in women. It can also help to improve sleep quality and promote a sense of overall well-being.
It is important to note that while Sarvangasana offers many health benefits for women, it is an advanced yoga pose that should be practiced under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher. Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth should avoid this pose or practice it with caution. Additionally, it is important to warm up properly before attempting this pose and to come out of it slowly and carefully to avoid any strain or injury.
What are the health benefits of Sarvangasana for men?
Some of the key health benefits of practicing Sarvangasana regularly include:
Improves Blood Circulation
Sarvangasana can improve blood circulation in the body, especially to the head, neck, and upper body. This can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, relieve varicose veins, and improve overall health.
Strengthens the Upper Body
Holding the body in the shoulderstand position requires a significant amount of strength and stability in the upper body, particularly in the shoulders, arms, and neck. Regular practice of Sarvangasana can help to build strength in these areas and improve posture.
Enhances Lung Capacity
 Sarvangasana can improve lung capacity by opening the chest and allowing more air into the lungs. This can be particularly beneficial for men who engage in sports or other physical activities that require a high level of endurance.
Improves Digestion
The inverted position of Sarvangasana can help to improve digestion by stimulating the digestive organs and promoting the flow of digestive juices. This can help to reduce bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues that are common in men.
It is important to note that while Sarvangasana offers many health benefits for men, it is an advanced yoga pose that should be practiced under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher. Men who have high blood pressure, neck or shoulder injuries, or glaucoma should avoid this pose or practice it with caution. Additionally, it is important to warm up properly before attempting this pose and to come out of it slowly and carefully to avoid any strain or injury.
What to do after doing Sarvangasana?
After practicing Sarvangasana, it is important to take a few minutes to rest and relax the body. Here are some steps to follow:
Release the Pose
Slowly lower the legs down to the floor and release the hands from the back. Allow the spine to roll down one vertebra at a time until you are lying on your back.
Rest in Savasana
Lie on your back with your arms and legs extended, palms facing up. Close your eyes and relax your body completely. Stay in this pose for at least 5 minutes to allow your body to integrate the benefits of the shoulderstand.
Follow with Gentle Poses
After resting in Savasana, you can practice some gentle poses to help stretch and release any tension in the body. Some good options include Balasana (Child's Pose), Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose), and Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose).
Hydrate
It is important to drink plenty of water after practicing yoga, especially after a pose like Sarvangasana that can stimulate the body's systems. Rehydrating the body will help to flush out any toxins and keep the body functioning optimally.
Remember to listen to your body and practice self-care after practicing Sarvangasana or any other yoga pose. If you experience any discomfort or pain during the pose or afterward, consult with a qualified yoga teacher or healthcare professional.
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