| Headstands...the mention of this pose in a Yoga class | | | | recommend practicing them under the guidance of an |
| can at once strike both excitement and fear among | | | | experienced yoga teacher. |
| students. Inversions are dynamic, challenging poses and | | | | The physical benefits of inversion asanas include |
| while some view them as an exciting challenge, others | | | | improved circulation and increased strength and |
| may feel a knot develop in their stomach at the mere | | | | balance, improved concentration and increased vitality. |
| mention of it. Why? Well, that's what I'd like to address | | | | These poses can be very demanding, it's important to |
| in this article. By discovering the true essence of | | | | be able to breathe fully and rhythmically while holding |
| inversion asanas, we can better understand our | | | | the pose. Yoga is after all, a meditation in motion. |
| reactions to them as well as how they can affect and | | | | Proper breathing is key when it comes to maintaining |
| benefit our daily life. | | | | the pose. These poses require significant core and |
| Inversion yoga asanas are poses that place the feet | | | | shoulder strength - moment to moment awareness is |
| above the head during the practice. | | | | the secret to balance. |
| When attempting these poses it is important to be | | | | On the emotional side, inversion asanas are about |
| properly prepared; these are not postures that you | | | | releasing/overcoming fear. For many people, the idea |
| should just jump right into. By preparing properly and | | | | of being upside down is frightening. This a common |
| being extremely mindful of proper body alignment, you | | | | and normal reaction to having your world turned upside |
| can significantly reduce your risk of injury. Other things | | | | down. When we move through this fear, we feel a |
| to keep in mind when trying inversions are the strength | | | | sense of accomplishment and our confidence is |
| of the neck, pre-existing injuries or conditions such as | | | | boosted; we discover our own inner strength. This has |
| high blood pressure, glaucoma or detached retina. | | | | a trickle down effect into our daily life, allowing us a |
| Women who are pregnant or menstruating should not | | | | more confident, relaxed approach when we encounter |
| practice these poses. If you're new to inversions, I'd | | | | other obstacles. |