International Yoga Day 2020: Benefits Of Sarvangasana, How To Do The Shoulder Stand

On the eve of International Yoga Day 2020, we are here to take you through one of the most popular yoga asanas of all-time - Sarvangasana, which is also known as the shoulder stand. What may seem difficult is actually an easy-to-do yoga asana, which you can master with guidance and a few practises. What makes Sarvangasana popular is that it's a full-body exercise, thus it works on different muscle groups and helps you in numerous ways for better posture, balance and calmness.

Shraddha Iyer, master yoga trainer at Sarva & Diva Yoga says, "As the name suggests, Sarvangasana is beneficial for all parts of the body. Known as the queen or mother of all asanas, it is very effective in calming your body and mind, stimulating the thyroid and prostate glands, strengthening the abdomen muscles, aiding digestion, toning your legs and butts, and helping with symptoms of menopause. Sarvangasana is also beneficial in reducing fatigue, treating sleeplessness and being therapeutic for those suffering from asthma, sinusitis or seasonal cold."

How To Do Sarvangasana

Before starting the Sarvangasana, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Shraddha says, "Make sure that you always warm up before starting this yoga asana. Your spine and back muscles need to be warmed before you attempt the Sarvangasana. So make sure you stretch your shoulders, back and hamstrings before this exercise."

(Also read: International Yoga Day 2020: How To Do Setu Bandhasana, The Bridge Pose)

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Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand is known for its amazing health benefits as it works on the entire body. Yoga expert Shraddha Iyer of @sarvayogastudios shows us how to do the Sarvangasana in the right way. #internationalyogaday #sarvangasana #divayoga #yoga #fitnessmotivation #fitinspiration #weekend
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Shraddha shares, "For those who may find it difficult to lift their body, they can use certain props such as a folded blanket or mat under your shoulders. Doing so will help you elevate the body by giving you enough support to lift the hips and legs up."

She goes on to add, "It is advisable to do Halasana, the plough pose, before you start Sarvangasana. It will help you get a good stretch and give you the required height to lift your body. When you roll down, do so vertebrae by vertebrae. Sarvangasana should be followed by Paschimottanasana, the seated forward bend pose."

(Also read: International Yoga Day 2020: The Power Of Food, Yoga And Nutrition)