Shoulderstand

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Shoulderstand / Sarvangasana

by Sri Swami Sivananda
of The Divine Life Society

This is a mysterious asana, which gives wonderful benefits. It is termed "All-members' Pose" because all the parts of the body are engaged when this asana is performed.

In this posture, the thyroid gland is nourished properly which plays a prominent part in the metabolism, growth, nutrition and structure. Healthy thyroid means healthy functioning of the circulatory, respiratory, alimentary, genitourinary and nervous system of the body. This thyroid operates in conjunction with other ductless glands such as the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain, and suprarenal above the kidneys, liver, spleen and testes. If this thyroid is diseased, all the other glands suffer. A vicious cycle is formed. Shoulderstand keeps a healthy thyroid. Healthy thyroid means healthy functioning of all the organs of the body.

It supplies a large quantity of blood to the spinal roots of the nerves. It is this asana which centralises the blood in the spinal column and nourishes beautifully. But for this asana, there is no scope for these nerve-roots to draw sufficient blood supply. It keeps the spine quite elastic. Elasticity of the spine means everlasting youth. It prevents the bone from early ossification (hardening). So, you will preserve and retain your youth for a long time. This pose destroys the ravages of old age.

This asana checks wet dreams effectively. It acts as a powerful blood tonic and purifier. It tones the nerves. It is a cheap, readily available blood, nervine and digestive tonic. It is at your disposal at all times. It will save your doctor's bills. When you do not have much time to practise the usual course of asanas, do this without fail daily along with Sirshasana (Headstand) and Paschimottanasana (Posterior Stretch Pose).

It is useful in curing gonorrhoea and other diseases of the bladder and ovaries. It removes sterility and diseases of the womb. It removes dyspepsia, constipation and other gastro-intestinal disorders of a chronic nature. It energizes, invigorates and vivifies. A course of Sirsho-Sarvangasana (headstand and shoulderstand) powerfully rejuvenates.

Practise this asana for two minutes in the beginning and gradually increase it to half an hour.