Shoulderstand is another one of those poses we are doing from when we were kids, and we do it automatically without giving it a proper thought. Let's try something different this time?
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Shoulderstand stimulates blood flow in the neck and upper chest, triggering reflexes that calm the brain, slow the heart, and relax the blood vessels. This removes fatigue and boosts your immune system. To get the benefits, focus on the following and stay in the pose for 10 breaths:
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Root your elbows & the back of the head into the mat, create the space for the natural neck curve. Engage the legs & send the uplifting energy UP through your toes, OUT. Then, consciously take an inhale opening your throat & upper chest, let the IN breath lift your ribs, drawing your chest closer to the chin. EX press down again. Repeat.
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You should sense a strong current rising from your throat and travelling up the spine.
ALIGNMENT CUES:
Lie on your back, inhale, arms press into the ground beside you. Exhale, bend your knees, lift your hips up and roll your legs towards your head. Place your hands on your lower back, elbows shoulder-width apart. Straighten your legs up high, press through the balls of your feet. Walk your hands down your back towards your shoulders.
Hug your outer hips to the midline, lift your front body up, lengthen your spine. Lift sternum up and towards your chin, lightly press into the back of your head, gaze to your feet. To come down, use your arms to support your lower back and slowly roll back down.
