THAT'S A Yoga Pose??!!

When you think of what yoga should look like, what do you think of???

I think most people think you have to be doing something super bendy or intense with your body for it to be called yoga.

Well, sure, this is yoga....

Photo by James Leash with Sharp Eye Images

...Ustrasana, or Camel Pose, is a yoga pose and definitely has lots of health benefits.

But, this is actually yoga too....

Photo by the lovely, Troye Boone

...Viparita Karani, or Legs Up the Wall Pose.

Viparita Karani is a mild inversion and has a wide range of health. This pose is known for its restorative nature and will get blood flowing to parts of the body that need it, making it good for most any ailment including arthritis, high or low blood pressure, respiratory ailments, and menopause.

Benefits of Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose):

• Regulates blood flow
• Alleviates menstrual cramps
• Relieves swollen ankles and varicose veins
• Helps with reproductive problems in men and women
• Improves digestion
• Restores tired feet or legs
• Stretches the back of the neck, front torso, and back of the legs
• Improves problems of the eyes and ears
• Relieves mild backache
• Provides migraine and headache relief, especially when done with a bandage wrapped tightly around the forehead and back of the skull
• Helps keep you young and vital
• Calms anxiety
• Relieves symptoms of mild depression and insomnia

Note: If you have Glaucoma or a serious neck or back injury, you should avoid this pose.

Getting Into Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose):

It is always best to lie on your yoga mat or something with a little cushion (if you are at home, carpet will work just fine). Sit with your left hip against the wall and bend your knees. Reach your hands behind your hips and lean your torso backward. Lean back and use your hands to support your torso as you swivel your hips and bring your feet up the wall.  Keep your sit bones (buttocks) close to the wall and lie down on your back. Rest your arms out to the sides, palms face up. Close your eyes and relax in the pose, breathing softly and evenly, in and out through your nose.

When using support: If you have any lower back pain, support your body by placing a yoga block or folded blankets on the ground beneath your back (you will notice in the picture above that I have a yoga block underneath my low back between my sacrum and the wall). 

If your neck feels strained, place a small, rolled-up towel under it. Cover your eyes with a small towel and keep  them closed for 5 – 15 minutes as you soften and release. Rest your arms out to your sides. Open your shoulder blades away from the spine, relaxing your hands and wrists. Keep your legs held vertically in place, but only partially flexed.

After you come out of this restorative pose, be sure to lie on your side for a few breaths before sitting upright with your back against the wall, then slowly rise to your feet.

Photo by the lovely, Troye Boone

Remember our "Try Something New" Challenge?? How about trying this pose! I mean, what do you have to lose, besides maybe some anxiety, insomnia, tired legs....??? :)

Feel free to ask me if you have any questions!! I am here for support!