YanvaYoga > Yoga Poses > Shoulderstand Pose

Shoulderstand Pose

Shoulderstand Pose ( front) - Iana Varshavska

Sarvangasana has three words in it: ‘Sarva’ meaning ‘Entire’, ‘Anga’ meaning ‘Body part’ and ‘Asana’ meaning ‘Pose’. This translates to ‘All Body Parts Pose’. Sarvangasana also known as Shoulderstand Pose is called the “Mother of all Yoga Poses” because it benefits the entire body and also mind. Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand Pose) can be categorized under intermediate level yoga poses. To practice this asana, yoga practitioner should have some level of comfort with various yoga poses in the intermediate level. As the entire body is balanced on the upper shoulders this pose is also called ‘Kandrasana’ or ‘Shoulderstand Pose’.

Sarvangasana is considered a base pose as sarvangasana variations can be derived from this pose.Sarvangasana helps boost energy in the body and hence can be included in flow yoga sequences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Exhaling, raise high the legs together enough to make a right angle with the body. Keep the knees straight and the body above the hip-joint on the ground undisturbed.
Step 2
At this stage, still exhaling, raise the arms and hold the waist and push the body up as far as possible. Put all the body weight on the arms and rest on the elbows, with the legs thrown upwards.
Step 3
When this position is firmly secured, by careful manipulation, make an attempt to shift the hands slowly towards the waist, with the fingers extended to the back of the hip-bones and the thumbs pressed lightly on both sides of the navel.
Step 4
Set the chin in the jugular notch and place the full weight upon the shoulders, the neck and the back of the head (final position). Complete the above steps in 4 seconds, while exhaling.
Step 5
Maintain this pose as long as convenient, but not longer than two minutes, breathe normally slow, rhythmic and natural.
Step 6
Return to starting position: slowly bend the knees and then gently lower the hips towards the mat, supported by the hands in 4 seconds, while inhaling.
Step 7
Release the hands from the back and assume the starting position.
Step 8
Take a few deep breaths and then rest in savasana, breath normally.

Pose Detail

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Strengthens your shoulder and neck muscles.

Helps open your shoulders.

Strengthens your legs.

The action of holding your whole body up builds strength in your core and your whole torso.

Contraindications

High blood pressure

Back pain or spine injury

Spondylitis

Certain heart problems (consult your doctor)

Throat or ear infection (this pose might cause discomfort)

Photo poses in different angles

Tips

  • When you are practising Shoulderstand don’t be afraid of using lots of props to raise your shoulders and upper back. The most important thing in Shoulderstand is to take care of your neck.
  • You can bring your legs to a 45 degree angle instead of pointing them upwards to the ceiling.
  • Be aware of the position of your elbows – roll your upper arms outwards to prevent your elbows from splaying out to the sides.
  • Keep your core engaged to help lift your hip and allow your hands to walk further up your back for support.
Modifications & Variations
  • Supported Shoulderstand Pose Feet Thighs Hands Ankles Partner
  • Half Shoulderstand Pose
  • Supported Shoulderstand Pose Chair Variation Butterfly Legs
  • One Legged Shoulderstand Pose Hands On Back
  • Shoulderstand Pose With Blanket And Strap
  • Shoulderstand Pose Bent Legs
  • Upward Lotus Pose
  • One-Legged Shoulderstand Pose
  • Shoulderstand Pose Wide Legs
  • Unsupported Shoulderstand Pose Variation Prep
Top Preparatory Poses
  • Bridge Pose
  • Plough Pose
  • Seated forward Bend Pose
Top Follow Up Poses
  • Plough Pose
  • Fish Pose
  • Plough Pose Hands On Back
Iana Varshavska
Iana Varshavska
Website administrator

In love with yoga and everything that goes along with it. Iana is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who has completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification by the Yoga Alliance U.S. In addition to that, she is constantly studying and improving her skills in various aspects of yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy, biomechanics, and holodynamics.