This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2009)

This article appears to contain speculation and unjustified claims. Information must be verifiable and based on reliable published sources. Please remove speculation from the article.

Sarvangasana or Shoulderstand, is an inverted asana (pose) in hatha yoga. Considered as the "queen" of asanas, many practitioners consider it to be an especially important and beneficial pose^{[citation needed]}. Its name in Sanskrit literally means "posture of the complete body."

It is performed by first lying on the back with hands under the mid-back, then lifting the legs and lower body so that the weight of the body is supported on the head, neck, upper back and upper arms.

The gazing point is towards the toes. The head must not be turned to the side while in this pose.

Advanced practitioners hold this pose for long periods of time - as much as three hours. However, because of the significant amount of weight being placed on the cervical spine and the threat of neck injury, this is not advisable.

The pose is contraindicated for high blood pressure , whiplash, menstruation, thyroid disorders, angina , and spinal weakness caused by conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. This pose improves the reproductive organs in both men and women^{[citation needed]}. It also helps in relieving bronchitis, dyspepsia, and varicose veins and increases digestive capacity^{[citation needed]}. It influences the brain, heart and lungs, and improves blood circulation^{[citation needed]}. If you are pregnant, consult a qualified yoga instructor or your physician before attempting this pose. Viparita Karani - the "legs up the wall" pose - is a common modification.

Matsyasana is normally taken after Sarvangasana as a counter pose. Sarvangasana may be used as a counter pose for backbends such as the bridge. Halasana is often taken as a transitional pose to enter and exit Sarvangasana.

Sarvangasana could be of use in hemorrhoids. It should aid healing, since it should reduce the poolup of venous blood and so reduces the development or progression of hemorrhoids. Its an hypothesis , clinically not proven, but its theoretically possible.

[edit] See also

• List of Hatha yoga postures

v • d • e Yoga Postures Asanas Padmasana  · Shirsasana  · Sarvangasana  · Matsyasana  · Ustrasana  · Uttanasana  · Paschimottanasana  · Bhujangasana  · Dhanurasana  · Halasana  · Vajrasana  · Savasana  · Chakrasana Related Pranayama  · Surya Namaskara  · Mudra  · Kriya See also Raja Yoga  · Yoga Sutras  · Patanjali  · Yoga  · Naked yoga  · Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine  · List

[edit] External links

• Sarvangasana
• Video of Sarvangasana - "All limbed pose"

This Hinduism-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e