Supported Shoulder Stand Pose (Salamba Sarvangasana)

A foundational inversion that brings the entire body vertical with shoulders, upper arms, and back of the head bearing the weight, this pose stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands while reversing the pull of gravity on the legs and organs. It builds core and leg strength while encouraging a deeply calming effect on the nervous system. Performed by lying supine, lifting the hips and legs skyward, and supporting the lower back with the hands as the body stacks vertically.

Cues

• Press your upper arms firmly into the floor and draw your shoulder blades toward each other to create a stable shelf for your upper back.
• Extend through the inner edges of both feet toward the ceiling, keeping legs strong and together.
• Breathe steadily and avoid turning your head while in the pose to protect the cervical spine.
• Soften the face and throat, allowing the chin to draw naturally toward the chest in a gentle jalandhara bandha.