Introduction to Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)
Yoga is a broad and varied practice that offers a wide range of positions to suit various physical and mental requirements. A stance that has gained popularity due to its ease of execution and significant advantages is Viparita Karani, also referred to as the Legs Up the Wall pose. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced yogi, Viparita Karani offers a revitalising escape from the stress of everyday life by encouraging both mental and physical calm.
How to Practice Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)
Almost everyone can perform the highly restorative pose of the legs up the wall pose. Here’s a how-to manual to get you going:
- Find a Wall: Make sure there are no obstacles in the way of your clear wall area. On the floor where your lower back will rest, you can also lay a yoga mat or a folded blanket.
- Sit Sideways Against the Wall: Take a seat with your legs out in front of you and one hip resting against the wall.
- Swing Your Legs Up: Lower your upper body to the floor while slowly and gently swinging your legs up the wall. With your back flat on the ground, position your legs straight up the wall.
- Modify Your Position: Move your hips to the nearest comfortable distance from the wall. Your lower back should rest against the wall. You can take a few inches off the wall or put a cushion under your hips if your lower back is hurting.
- Relax Your Arms: Lay your arms down on your stomach or out to the sides, depending on what feels most comfortable.
- Close Your Eyes and Breathe: Close your eyes and take slow, even breaths to let your body unwind fully. For five to fifteen minutes, hold this posture.
- Come Out of the Pose: Roll to one side while bending your knees towards your chest. After taking a few deep breaths and resting in a fetal position, lift yourself up to a seated position.
Benefits of Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)
There are numerous advantages of practicing Viparita Karani, both psychologically and physically:
- Improves Circulation: This pose reduces fatigue and swelling in the legs and feet by raising the legs to let blood flow back to the heart.
- Relieves Stress and Anxiety: By triggering the parasympathetic nervous system, this restorative position aids in lowering stress levels and fostering a sense of serenity.
- Eases Lower Back Pain: By reducing pressure on the lower spine, the mild inversion can help reduce lower back pain.
- Improves Digestion: The abdomen’s relaxed position can help with improved digestion and ease typical digestive problems.
- Reduces Headaches: Viparita Karani can aid with headache symptoms by soothing the nervous system and releasing tension in the shoulders and neck.
- Promotes Relaxation and Sleep Before going to bed, this posture can be especially helpful in calming the body and mind in preparation for a good night’s sleep.
Precautions and Contraindications
Even though Viparita Karani is often regarded as accessible and safe, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Avoid During Pregnancy: Without the supervision of a trained instructor, pregnant women should refrain from this position, particularly after the first trimester.
- Be Cautious with Eye Conditions: Because this position might alter intraocular pressure, people with severe eye disorders like glaucoma or detached retina should avoid it.
- Neck and Back Concerns: Before attempting this position, speak with a healthcare professional if you suffer from serious neck or back problems. Extra assistance might be obtained by using props like blankets or bolsters.
- Menstruation: According to certain practitioners, you should not perform inversions like Viparita Karani when you are menstruating. When in doubt, pay attention to your body and speak with your yoga instructor.
- High Blood Pressure: This stance may be uncomfortable for some people with high blood pressure, but it may also help others. Once more, pay attention to your body and seek medical advice as necessary.
Join yoga in rishikesh
You can simply add the calming, restorative pose of viparita Karani into your daily routine. Its subtlety conceals the significant impact it can have on your health. Regular practice of this pose can help you feel more relaxed, less stressed, and have better circulation.
Recall that yoga is an individual practice. Take it slow, pay attention to your body, and relish the tranquil feeling that Viparita Karani has to give. Cheers to your practice!
Learn to know more about yoga asana so you can visit the best yoga school in India and join 200 hour yoga teacher training in India and 300 hour yoga teacher training in India and 500 hour yoga teacher training in india