INVERSIONS - turn your world upside down!

Inversions within asana revitalise the whole system.  They literally turn your world upside down!  Reversing the effects of gravity and flooding the brain with nourishment.  Inversions are cleansing and nourishing at the deepest level.  

Physically:

Spinal decompression – reversing the downward pressure of gravity temporarily on the spine, helping it to decompress, reduce back pain and rehydrate the spinal discs.

Aid Digestion – helps to stimulate the movement of the digestive tract and increase blood flow to the digestive organs.

Improve circulation – encourages blood flow from extremities to the heart.

Lymphatic drainage – inversions stimulate the process of detoxification and enhance immune function.

Increases flexibility and posture.  Strengthening and stabilising muscles.

Emotionally:

Mental Clarity – being upside down directs oxygenated blood to the brain improving concentration, memory and overall brain function.  Increased blood flow to the brain also releases endorphins that can make you feel uplifted and energised.

Relaxation – activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest system) lowering the stress hormone cortisol and creating calm.

Sirsasana (Headstand) is called the king of Asanas for its many benefits.  It is also a very visually dramatic asana showing the world how “good you are at Yoga”. When we are young, we can flip upside down effortlessly without any repercussions in our bodies but for me, as a nearly 56-year-old woman I do not feel the urge or need to do so.  😄

Many asanas offer the same effects in a gentler more accessible format.  Indeed, childs pose (Balasana) is infact a mild inversion as the head is gently lower than the rest of the body.  

Downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) is my asana of choice for inversion benefits, the heart being above the head encouraging blood flow to the brain and reversing the effects of gravity on the spine and internal organs.  It is detoxifying in nature and boosts the immune system.  The pose is also strengthening, in the arms, shoulders and upper back.  It gently stretches the hamstrings and calves.

For me personally, I feel comfortable in this asana, I can relax, breathe deeply and fully, offering myself a moment of pause, a reset button and an inner connection.  It may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a headstand to the on looker, but it certainly working its magic within my asana practise!

Explore Adho Mukha Svanasana in all its glory with The Happy Genie Yoga.