Shoulder Stand Yoga Pose
Lying on the back, the hips and legs rise straight up over the shoulders, the hands supporting the back, until the body stands vertical on the shoulders; held for time.
How to do it
Setup
Lying on the back, a folded blanket under the shoulders with the head on the floor, arms by the sides, knees bent.
Steps
- Lift the hips and bring the knees over the chest, hands supporting the back.
- Straighten the legs toward the ceiling, the elbows kept shoulder-width apart.
- Hold and breathe, then bend the knees and roll down slowly.
Common mistakes
Turning the head or looking around: keep it still; the neck is under load. Weight sliding onto the neck: walk the hands higher up the back and press through the shoulders. Dropping out of the pose: bend the knees and roll down one vertebra at a time.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
