an underrated asana

salamba sarvangasana - supported shoulderstand

This picture is of a young Swami Vishnudevananda displaying a perfect shoulderstand, an asana very similar to the very sought after ,headstand. In headstand the circulation and concentration are directed to the brain, but in shoulderstand the same is directed to the thyroid and the parathyroid. Thyroid is the most important gland of the endocrine system and this exercise gives it a rich supply of blood, the chin lock on the chest exerts an extra pressure on the thyroid through which its secretions are kept at par making it a good treatment for modern day thyroid treatment.

Nirlamba sarvangasan- unsupported houlderstand.

Removing the hands , the whole weight falls on the cervical region and the shoulder muscles. Helps in strengthening the neck and improves its flexibility.

also known as the candle pose, it requires immense concentration if has to be held for a longer period of time as it involves a good balancing act. breathing with concentration at the abdomen helps.

sethu bandhasan – bridge pose
Dropping the legs from shoulderstand to the bridge pose , exerting lot of pressure on the wrists.