The sarvanga-asana, is considered by many to be the most beneficial of all yoga postures. It’s commonly referred to as the Shoulder Stand because you are essentially standing on your shoulders.
When performed in the morning the sarvanga-asana relieves fatigue caused by sleeping too much or too little and when done in the evening, it helps to promote deep, restful sleep. It strengthens your back, and helps relieve lower back pain.
The increased blood flow to the head and upper body helps to heal many disorders such as headaches, nasal congestion and sore throats. The entire endocrine, digestive, nervous, and venous systems of the body are stimulated in ways that no form of diet or conventional exercise can perform.
Because the body is inverted a rich supply of oxygenated blood is sent to the organs and glands in the upper part of the body, such as the brain, thyroid and pituitary, and heart thereby stimulating them. Pressure is relieved from the lower body extremities relieving pain and/or swelling of the feet and legs. The sarvanga-asana also provides great benefit to the abdominal organs helping to stimulate digestion. Regular practice of this posture invigorates the mind and helps to calm the nervous system.
Here’s how you do it:
Lie flat on the back
Inhale through your nose. Place your palms face-down on the floor. Keeping your hips on the floor, bend your knees and bring them up toward your stomach while exhaling.
Inhale slowly through your nose, press down on your hands and lift your torso from the waist up off the floor, arching your spine backwards and straightening your arms. Keep your hips on the floor.
Inhale, then while exhaling, raise your legs straight up perpendicular to the floor. You may support your hips with your hands or leave your arms flat on the floor, whichever is most comfortable.
Your legs should be together with your knees straight and toes pointed straight up. Keep your head straight without turning it to either side. Your chin should be pressed against your chest.
Breath gently through your nostrils while the posture is held and reverse the steps.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers unique design are extremely beneficial for aligning your toes and feet. They were featured in the Shape Magazine article “Cool Cure For Foot Pain”. SmartToes also provide bunion treatment, hammer toe treatment and overall relief for stressed out feet.