Shoulderstand Pose

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
Pose Detail
- Physical Training: Balancing Yoga Poses
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Body Position: Inversion Yoga Poses
- Poses According To Their Functions: Physical Training
- Strengthening Yoga Poses: Poses For Arms Strengthening, Poses For Body Strengthening, Poses For Legs Strengthening, Poses For Neck Strengthening
- Poses By Benefit: Yoga Poses for Energy
Benefits and Contraindications
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.
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.
- 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
- Bridge Pose
- Plough Pose
- Seated forward Bend Pose
- Plough Pose
- Fish Pose
- Plough Pose Hands On Back