Salamba Sarvangasana

(Supported Shoulderstand)

(sah-LOM-bah sar-van-GAHS-anna)
salamba = with support (sa = with
alamba = support)
sarva = all
anga = limb.

This version of Shoulderstand is performed with hand support on the lower back.

Benefits
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Stimulates the thyroid and prostate glands and abdominal organs. Stretches the shoulders and neck. Tones the legs and buttocks. Improves digestion . Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Reduces fatigue and alleviates insomnia. Therapeutic for asthma, infertility, and sinusitis.

Deepen the Pose

It's common in this pose for students to press only the index finger sides of the hands against the back. Be sure to spread both palms wide against your back torso. Push in and up against the back ribs, especially with the ring fingers and pinkies. Periodically take your hands away from the back, press the shoulder blades in, and return your hands to the back a little closer to the head than they were before.

Partnering/Adjusting

Assistance can help align ankles atop the knees, knees atop the shoulders. Elbows can be brought closer and the assist can also include a prop of the leg to suport the spine.