The Shoulder Stand is an advanced inverted yoga pose. The Shoulder Stand pose provides many benefits to the body including the heart, the lymphatic system, the nervous system and also the endocrine system. Some yoga practitioners believe that the inverted poses provide a reverse gravitational pull which may improve physical and psychological health. Learning how to do a Shoulder Stand in yoga properly will help you to experience the full benefits of this pose. http://www.sunandmoonstudio.com/Articles/headstand.html
Tips
You may be more comfortable doing the Shoulder Stand pose without using a blanket for support
How to Do Shoulder Stand
Since Shoulder Stand pose is an advanced yoga position, it may be helpful to watch an expert perform the pose. This will help you to see how the pose is properly done and may help you to align your body correctly. This short YouTube video shows the proper way to get into Shoulder Stand pose and also how to do a few modified versions of the pose as well
Introduction
The Shoulder Stand is considered to be one of the most beneficial asanas, or yoga poses. This inverted pose provides circulation to the body’s organs. Besides helping the blood circulate through the body, the Shoulder Stand pose is also helpful to people suffering from indigestion, asthma, a low sex drive and constipation. http://www.yogawiz.com/articles/74/yoga-asana-benefits/shoulder-stand.html
Step 1: Getting into Position
Step 2: Beginning the Shoulder Stand Pose
To get into Shoulder Stand pose lay on your back and lift your legs and lower back up off of the floor, bringing your legs over your head so your weight is resting on your shoulders and head. Rest the tops of your feet on the floor over your head. You are now in Plough pose. Then, pushing your shoulders down into the mat, slowly lift your legs up one at a time so your toes are pointing toward the ceiling. Support your lower back with your hands, keeping your elbows on the mat. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds building up to two minutes.
Step 3: Modifying the Shoulder Stand Pose
If you are uncomfortable or unable to do Shoulder Stand pose, use a folding chair and do a modified pose. Lay on your back with your calves and heels of your feet resting on the seat of the chair and then lift the feet until they are resting on the top of the folding chair.
Warning
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning any exercise program, including yoga.
