This posture is said to benefit all parts of the body, which is probably why it has gotten its name Sarvangasana, meaning “all parts”. According to Swami Sivananda there are three asanas that alone will keep the body in perfect health.
In this posture the thyroid gland is nourished properly and kept healthy. This gland plays a prominent part in metabolism, growth, nutrition and structure. If this gland is healthy, you’ll have a healthy function of the circulatory, respiratory, alimentary, genitourinary and nervous system of the body. Sounds pretty good, right? The thyroid is also operates in conjunction with other glands affecting the brain, kidneys, liver, spleen and testes. So if this thyroid is diseased, all the other glands suffer.
Your spine is kept elastic and blood is centralised in the spinal column, nourishing it beautifully. As most of the body is inverted, blood cannot stagnate in the lower limbs, which makes it a perfect asana for people who stand on their feet all day. Because you are lifting your feet behind your body it might feel like a backbend, but it is actually a forward bend as you stretch your spine forwards.
When you do this posture there is ONE rule: keep the head centered at all times
Sarvangasana is a very good posture for the vishuddha chakra.
As soon as you’ve done this posture, you feel pretty good. This is an ideal pick-me-up as a break if you are studying, feel a bit sluggish after work or have a long night at the office.
Benefits of sarvangasana:
- Tones the nerves
- Stretches away stress held in shoulders and neck area
- Tones and revitalises the thyroid gland
- Improves and balances metabolism of every cell in the body
- Removes constipation
- Good for a healthy womb
- Removes dyspepsia
- Encourages blood circulation
- Improves blood supply to the roots of the spinal nerves
- Rejuvenates
- Relieves pain of varicose veins
- Stretches the ligaments of the cervical region (upper back/neck)
- Blood tonic and purifier
- Encourages deep abdominal breathing
- Promotes clear thinking
- Stimulates cheerfulness and helps to cure depression
Cautions
If you are suffering from neck problems, please consult a physician. If you suffer from high blood pressure, don’t hold more than 30 seconds without consulting with your doctor.
Always be cautious when doing this exercise as it stretches your entire back. It feels great, but be aware that some days you might feel stiffer than others. Especially in the morning. Enjoy!
Love,
Tone