What are the benefits of inverted yoga asanas? Why do you need headstand or downward facing dog?

Yoga has already become a part of many people’s lives and is still gaining popularity, so discussions about its effects on the body never cease. Inverted asanas are an integral part of any practice, and perhaps the most unusual. While performing these poses, a person in most cases finds himself in a head-down position. Many people are confused by the fact that the world is turned upside down in practice, and some even refuse to perform such exercises. We tell you why you should not be afraid of upside-down asanas.

hatha yoga instructor, master of Thai massage

You can almost immediately feel the benefits of performing inverted asanas. Many people note that after the first class they feel much lighter and more alert.

What is the benefit of inverted poses?

The main positive health effect of inverted postures is the improvement of venous return and blood outflow from the lower extremities. In today’s world, most people spend their workday either sitting in an office or standing on their feet. Both impair venous return, which leads to varicose veins in the lower extremities and pelvis. Varicose veins in extreme degrees are dangerous with the formation of blood clots, and the deterioration of blood circulation in the pelvis is fraught with organ diseases.

Alexandra: In positions where the pelvis is above the head, under the action of gravity blood rushes towards the heart. And you can further improve the effect by adding a vacuum exercise to the inverted position.

What inverted asanas are there?

Birch. Stimulates the thyroid gland, improves blood supply to the brain, eyes and facial skin, adjusts digestive processes, helps to rest the heart and is even capable of rejuvenation.

Bent Candle Pose. This asana helps to eliminate toxins from the body, reduces swelling, calms the nervous system and helps to fight insomnia.

Headstand. Improves blood circulation in the body and strengthens the resistance of the lungs, helping to better tolerate colds.

Upside-down tree asana (handstand). It is good for arthritis and arthritis, develops strength of arms and shoulders, and also revitalizes and strengthens the spine and increases immunity.

Downward facing dog. Performing this asana involves the entire body. Stretching helps to open the back of the legs, get rid of shoulder pain and strengthen arm muscles.

Alexandra: This is not the whole list. Some inverted poses are easier, some are more difficult, but it’s always important to remember that yoga is a process. We don’t aim to get up on our hands or on our head right away. Each of these poses has simplified variations that are suitable for beginners.

Who should not do inverted asanas?

Despite the great benefits, there are contraindications. There are quite a lot of them and it is worth paying attention to them carefully.

• Acute inflammatory diseases of any localization (in principle, this is a contraindication to performing almost any asana from yoga).
• Protrusions and hernias in the cervical spine.
• Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) and increased intracranial pressure.
• Hypertheriosis (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland).
• A history of strokes.
• Retinal detachment.
• Pregnancy (it is allowed to do simplified versions of some poses).