Inversions
Inverted poses in yoga, if practiced very mindfully and compassionately, can be extremely beneficial for four of the body’s major systems – cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous and endocrine. By reversing the flow of blood to the heart and within the circulatory system, inversions can prevent or reduce the likelihood of developing varicose veins and haemorrhoids. By “up-ending” our bodies’ relationship to gravity, we can even improve our metabolic function. Although Headstand and Shoulderstand are known as the “King” and “Queen” of the asanas in certain yogic traditions, they are not for everyone. To do them safely, takes careful, guided and consistent preparation and practice to protect the neck and spinal column. Handstands require building strength in the arms, wrists and hands, as well as the abdominals, and learning how to carefully align the spine and pelvis.
Jenny doing Dolphin Pose (Makarasana) on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. For individuals with sore or sensitive wrists, this is an excellent alternative to Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana). It strengthens core muscles and prepares the body for more intense forearm balance inverted poses like Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsanana) and Scorpion (Vrischikanasan) (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny doing a supported Handstand or Downwards Facing Tree Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana), with a little help from a huge Douglas fir tree at the Ralph Creek campsite in Strathcona National Park, on Vancouver Island, B.C. When first learning inversions, it can help build confidence and arm strength to use a tree or a wall for psychological and physical support (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny doing a supported Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana), with a little help from a boulder on the foggy summit of Mount Angeles, Olympic National Park, Washington State. To ready oneself for moving the feet away from the prop, provide structural stability by looking forward, pressing down through the fingers and hands, and aligning joints (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny doing a supported Handstand or Downwards Facing Tree Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana), beside a camper van at the campsite on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State. As you gain confidence, gradually learn to move away from the solid object you are using for support and use your body alignment as your solid foundation (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in a variation of Plow Pose (Halasana II) with hands holding the feet, in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny doing a supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) amid Douglas fir trees at the campsite in Gordon Bay Provincial Park, on Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
