Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

Padma Sarvangasana (shoulder stand lotus pose) is an inverted yoga pose. It is a part of the Inverted group of asanas mentioned in the book “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. The series focuses on reversing the action of gravity on the body; instead of everything being pulled towards the feet, the orientation shifts towards the head. Inverted asanas have many amazing benefits including increasing the blood flow to the brain.

How to do Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Assume sarvangasana.
• Fold the legs into padmasana in the final pose. 

Variation of Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Sit with the spine straight and the legs stretched out in front of the body.
• Perform padmasana. Lean back and, carefully using the support of the elbows, lie flat on the back. Relax fully. Raise the folded legs to the vertical position and assume sarvangasana.
• Hold the final pose for as long as is comfortable.
• Return to the starting position in the reverse order.

Breathing of Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Breathe normally while relaxing,then inhale deeply and retain the breath while raising the legs and coming into sarvangasana.
• Practise normal breathing in the final pose, then inhale and retain the breath while releasing back to the floor.

Sequence of Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Matsyasana, ushtrasana or supta vajrasana should be practised as a counterpose.

Benefits of Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• As for sarvangasana, except that free drainage of blood from the legs is impeded; therefore, it is not effective in the treatment of piles or varicose veins. 
• However, this asana gives an additional stretch and massage to the pelvic region and internal organs. It strengthens and coordinates the leg muscles and improves the sense of balance.

Precautions of Padma Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• This asana is for a strong and healthy body only.Those who suffer from sciatica or weak or injured knees, enlarged thyroid, liver or spleen, cervical spondylitis, slipped disc, high blood pressure or other heart ailments, weak blood vessels in the eyes, thrombosis or impure blood should not practise it. 
• It should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy.
• This asana should not be attempted until padmasana and sarvangasana have both been mastered.