| When performing inversions, many students remark at | | | | Legs up the Wall Pose is also called "inverted lake |
| how good their back feels after a Yoga session. | | | | posture." This Yoga posture is a passive inversion, |
| When you consider performing an inverted posture, | | | | related to the Shoulder Stand. In comparison to |
| you should be aware this is any posture where the | | | | Shoulder Stand, Legs up the Wall Pose is easier much |
| head is below heart level. | | | | to hold for extended periods of time. |
| Usually, most people think of Head Stand (Shirshasana) | | | | Although there are many internal benefits one receives |
| or Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) as inversions, but | | | | from practicing this particular asana, we want to be |
| Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), and Legs | | | | aware of the relief one feels while the sacrum, lumbar, |
| up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) are also inversions. | | | | and thoracic regions of the spine are allowed to |
| One of the purposes of practicing Downward Dog is | | | | straighten. The feeling of relaxation one receives from |
| to give your spine a break. Yet, some the benefits of | | | | performing this pose is priceless. |
| this one posture are many. You can reduce back pain, | | | | Legs up the Wall Pose can be modified with pillows, |
| provide needed care for spinal discs, train core | | | | blankets, or bolsters of various sizes. The basic |
| muscles without stressing the spine, strengthen | | | | guidelines are to align the spine so that it becomes as |
| ligaments, and enhance circulation. | | | | flat as possible on the floor. A competent Yoga |
| There are also many claims that inversions reduce | | | | teacher will be able to modify and adjust the body for |
| depression, but let's focus on the physical benefits to all | | | | the best possible alignment. |
| areas of the spine. Unlike Head Stand, Downward Dog | | | | Please consult with your physician first, before |
| does not compress any area of the spine, and almost | | | | practicing inversions for back pain relief. In some cases, |
| everyone can perform this posture. Many people fear | | | | back pain can be a symptom of a serious medical |
| falling over in a Head Stand and worry about the risk | | | | condition. When considering any form of inversion for |
| of neck injury. | | | | relief of chronic back pain, it should be noted that some |
| Downward Dog is very safe and can be modified, with | | | | inverted postures are not safe for specific medical |
| a chair or blocks, for anyone who can walk on two | | | | conditions. Anyone with a history of high blood |
| feet. The twenty-three discs of your spine are allowed | | | | pressure, heart problems, eye problems, and epilepsy |
| to recover from compressions and re-absorb moisture | | | | should avoid inversions. |
| while holding this pose. | | | | |