Yoga Pose Shoulderstand Benefits and Dangers

Aug. 1, 2009 - PRLog -- The shoulderstand (also known as Sarvangasana in Sanskrit) is called the queen of all yoga poses because of the benefits it provides for the whole body. In Sanskrit, Sarva means the whole and Anga means the body.

It’s an inverted yoga posture engaging all parts of the body and stretching the shoulders, neck and upper back. As the body is inverted blood pressure is higher in the upper extremity of the body because of the force of gravity. While holding this yoga posture the blood pressure in the brain reaches an average of 110mmHg.

The shoulderstand nourishes the thyroid gland, regulates the body's metabolism, controls the heart rate, promotes growth and balances the digestive and nervous system.

It massages the abdominal organs and relieves stress. Because of the enriched blood flow to the brain it also relieves emotional and mental stress, headaches and it is very tranquilizing.

However like every other science, yoga is also a precise science.

The same yoga pose can be beneficial for some people however it can be dangerous for others if precautions are not taken or previous health conditions are not taken into consideration while performing this pose.



The following are some of the conditions with which the shoulderstand yoga pose should never be performed

1. If you are suffering from high blood pressure.
2. If you are having weak eye blood vessels or suffering from Glaucoma or detached Retina, please avoid the Shoulderstand as it could worsen the condition.
3. During menstruation it is best to avoid this pose.
4. If you have a neck injury. Anyone who has Cervical Spondylities should not attempt to practice this pose because as you hold the pose part of the body weight is taken through the neck.

Please remember on many occasions GPs (doctors) are also not aware of the contraindication of various yoga poses and they may say that yoga is safe based on their perception which is not exactly the case.

By ignoring the precautions you put your health at risk.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/yogaarticle/precautions-should...

Issued in public interest by celebrity trainer Subodh Gupta.
http://celebrity-personal-trainer.co.uk

Subodh Gupta is an author of numerous books on yoga, weight loss and stress management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels and his views and articles appear regularly in magazines and newspapers in India and the UK.

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Subodh Gupta is based in London (UK) and conducts yoga, weight loss, nutrition and stress counselling sessions for number of celebrities.
http://www.subodhgupta.com/testimonials.html