Sarvangasana or Viparitkarani Mudra (Shoulder Standing Position)

Viparitkarani Mudra

Etymology and Origins of Sarvangasana

It is also called “Shoulder Standing Position”. This Asana was visualized and popularized in ancient India before the beginning of the Christian Era. Sarvangasana is a Sanskrit word. “Sarva” means “all”, “Anga” means “organ and limbs”, “Asana” means Yoga pose. Viparitkarani Mudra is just short of Sarvangasana; it is an imperfect form of Sarvangasana for the beginner where the whole body is not lifted on the shoulder in a perpendicular manner.

How to do Sarvangasana?

Step by Step Instructions of Sarvangasana

Lie down on your back on a soft mat or bed with the hands by your sides.
Now use your hands to support the waist and lift your whole body with legs fully up to rest on your neck and shoulder.
Your face and eyes can see the front sides of the legs.
Your whole body lies perpendicularly upward on your shoulder.
If you do not feel discomfort, continue to do this for 1 to 2 minutes, with normal breathing.
When you become habituated, you can do 3 to 5 minutes.
Then come down and practice Shavasana (lying down) in a thoughtless mind looking upward with closed eyes, hands of both sides, relaxed.
This thoughtlessness is the ultimate control power of your mind.
Most people think it is the easiest practice which actually is not. For, the key factor is thoughtlessness, empty brain. Remaining in an empty mind itself accumulated huge energy inside you. Modern science and studies in the West have strongly recognized it.
Rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Then again make the 2^nd attempt, and then take rest, and finally the 3^rd attempt.
Please do not make any hurry, always be slow and steady and continuous.

Benefits of Sarvangasana

Anatomical Focus & Disease Control

All the glands in the throat and surrounding areas such as Thyroid, Para-thyroid, Tonsils and Salivary glands are revitalized by regular practice of this Yoga.
It strengthens the Heart.
It also smoothens the respiratory organs.
Modern endocrinologists have found that ‘iodine’ is secreted in internal thyroid glands, which helps maintain diverse glands and nerves in our health.
Sarvangasana helps maintain the requirement of ‘iodine’ secretion.
This gland is also called the “gland of youth” as it helps maintain the signs of youth in the body for both girls and boys.
So, this Yoga is also called “aging fighter”. Indirectly, it may be called Youth Yoga.
Regular practice of Sarvangasana also evades the diseases of Heart, Cholera, Small Pox, Typhoid, Pneumonia, Colic or Leprosy, Constipation, Indigestion, Liver problems and Spleen troubles.

Benefits for Girls & Women & Students

Menstrual disorder for girls and displacement of the Uterus are safely cured by this Yoga.
It also eradicates General Weakness, Vertigo, Piles and Hernia.
So, regularly practice Sarvangasana in the morning and evening in an empty stomach. You will definitely win the race of life.
Students of any age can employ its benefits.
Girls can also feel free to do it during the Menstrual Period.
It improves your body frame and breasts so that you will be younger.

Precautions

People who have weak lungs and hearts are suggested to begin this Yoga through Viparitkarani Mudra where you can lift your body halfway by supporting your body at the waist by your hands. Then consult a physician.
For beginners, it is slightly difficult in the initial stages. So, do it slowly at the initial stages.
It is better to do it in the morning to get the best benefits.

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