Beneficial Effects of Sarvangasana. Information taken from, Light on Yoga, by B.K.S. Iyengar
The importance of Sarvangasana cannot be over-emphasized. It is one of the greatest boons conferred on humanity by our ancient sages. Sarvangasana is the Mother of asanas. As a mother strives for harmony and happiness in the home, so this asana strives for the harmony and happiness of the human system.
It is a panacea for most ailments. There are several endocrine organs or ductless glands in the human system which bathe in blood, absorb the nutriments from the blood and secrete hormones for the proper functioning of a balanced and well-developed body and brain. If the glands fail to function properly, the hormones are not produced as they should be and the body starts to deteriorate.
Amazingly enough many of the asanas have a direct effect on the glands and help them to function properly. Sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid glands that are situated in the neck region, since the body is inverted the venous blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of gravity. Healthy blood is allowed to circulate around the neck and chest. As a result, persons suffering from breathlessness, palpitation, asthma, bronchitis, and throat ailments get relief. As the head remains firm in this inverted position, and the supply of the blood to it is regulated by the firm chinlock, the nerves are soothed and headaches -even chronic ones – disappear.
Continued practice of this asana eradicates common colds and other nasal disturbances. Due to the soothing effect of the pose on the nerves, those suffering from hypertension, irritation, shortness of temper, nervous breakdown and insomnia are relieved.
The change in bodily gravity also affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels move freely and constipation vanishes. As a result the system is freed from toxins and one feels full of energy.
The asana is recommended for urinary disorders and uterine displacement, menstrual trouble, piles and hernia. It also helps to relieve epilepsy, low vitality and anemia.
It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practices Sarvangasana he will feel new vigor and strength, and will be happy and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life.
After a long illness, the practice of this cycle activates the abdominal organs and relieves people suffering from stomach and intestinal ulcers, severe pains in the abdomen and colitis. People suffering from high blood pressure should not attempt Salamba Sarvangasana I unless they do Halasana first and can stay in it for not less than 3 minutes.
Additional benefits:
• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
• Stimulates prostate glands and abdominal organs
• Stretches the shoulders and neck
• Tones the legs and buttocks
• Improves digestion
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
• Reduces fatigue and alleviates insomnia
• Therapeutic for infertility
Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) Variation
Salamba Sarvangasana can be a difficult pose for many students. Here is a variation that practitioners of all levels can practice.
Photo 1: Lift hips, place one or two blocks under your hips. Make sure blocks are placed evenly under the hips and are not tilted.
Photo 2: Release your buttocks onto the blocks, draw your shoulders under and lift your heart. (You are now in a supported variation of Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.)
Photo 3: From this Setu Bandha variation, bring one leg up at a time and come into this variation of Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand).
There should not be pain in the lumbar spine (lower back), cervical spine (neck), or pressure in the back of the head. The face should be relaxed and the eyes soft.
If your hamstrings are tight, you may practice this near a wall resting the heels on the wall. In the beginning, do not stay more than 5 minutes. As you progress, you may stay longer.
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Additional Variations of Salamba Sarvangasana
Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulderstand) chair variation
Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulderstand) wall support variation
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Thank you. I find you website VERY helpful to my practice of yoga. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks Celia 🙂 I’m glad you find it helpful!
You have some very helpful information on here, thank you for sharing. I just wanted to alert you to the fact that you are missing some words from Iyengar in the quote above. It should read: ‘Sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid glands that are situated in the neck region, since due to the firm chinlock their blood supply is increased. Further, since the body is inverted…’ and so on. Namaste from a yoga student in NZ!