Yogidex

Teacher Training Companion

HomePosesPhilosophyAnatomyPracticeGlossary
HomePosesPhilosophyAnatomyPracticeGlossary
All Poses

Sarvangasana

Shoulderstand

Shoulderstand
intermediateInversion

Muscle Groups

CoreShouldersSpinal extensorsNeck flexors

Known as the queen of all asanas, the body is inverted and supported on the shoulders, with the back supported by the hands.

Alignment Cues

  • 1.Lie supine and lift the legs overhead
  • 2.Support the back with the hands
  • 3.Walk the hands up the back toward the shoulder blades
  • 4.Extend the legs straight up
  • 5.Keep the neck neutral, do not turn the head

Benefits

  • +Calms the brain and relieves stress
  • +Stimulates the thyroid and prostate glands
  • +Stretches the shoulders and neck
  • +Tones the legs and buttocks

Muscle Groups

CoreShouldersSpinal extensorsNeck flexors

Contraindications

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Menstruation
  • Neck injury
  • Pregnancy