Nominate yourself as yohm’s
poser of the month. Simply book a yohm Yoga
course of 10 Yoga classes, adhere to the
dates and times set for each class, and
it could be you. Our Poser of the month
wins a pair of complimentary yohm Yoga bottoms.
These will enhance your practice no doubt.
* Please consult your physician before
attempting our Pose of the month
Shoulder stand is ill advised for those
pregnant or menstruating
yohm Pose of the Month - The Benefits
The Benefits of Shoulder Stand -
'Sarvangasana' The shoulder stand is said to be
one of the three asana's which alone will
keep the body in perfect health. The additional
two are thought to be Headstand and Forward-Bend
Shoulder stand balances thyroid
function – the thyroid is a
butterfly shaped gland located just below
the larynx and supervises all other glands,
regulating the bodies metabolism and heat
production and controlling the heart rate.
Many weight problems are the result of a poorly
functioning thyroid. Regular practice of the
shoulder stand can bring the thyroid into
balance helping to overcome these.
The thyroid promotes protein
synthesis and proper growth of muscle and
bone tissues. It controls the heart rate,
heart contractibility and blood pressure.
The shoulder stand encourages deep abdominal
breathing as it limits the
use of the top portion of the lungs. A gentle
massage is given to the heart and lung region.
As most of the body is inverted, venous
blood cannot stagnate in the lower limbs.The
shoulder stand reverses blood flow, thus it
is a strong tonic for people who must stand
on their feet all day and those with a tendency
towards varicose veins
The shoulder stand centralises the blood
supply in the spinal column, as well as stretching
it. This aids in keeping the spine
strong and elastic.
As the flow of blood to
the head is restricted headaches and many
inflammatory problems can be reduced.
The walls of the heart
are strengthened as pooling blood places pressure
on its walls forcing it to cope with larger
volumes.
The throat is strengthened
and protected against infection. Larynx and
pharynx derive increased blood supply and
hence maximum nutrition. Immunity against
various respiratory diseases and throat ailments
is therefore strengthened.
The chin pressing onto the base of the throat
also stimulates and regulates the parathyroid.
This gland helps to maintain proper calcium
levels in the blood. Normal skeletal
and cardiac muscle activity as well as blood
clotting, depend on proper calcium levels.
When this gland is not functioning well, expect
stiffness, cramps, spasms, and even convulsions.
When it is overactive this can lead to kidney
disease, bone disease and muscle weakness.
Yoga brings about its regularity.
The shoulder stand works against
aging, as do all inverted postures
Benefits to the mind: Shoulder stand relieves
mental sluggishness. It brings independence
and self-control
helps to cure insomnia and
depression.
Shoulder stand is ill advised for
those pregnant or menstruating. Why? Inverted
poses are ill advised when menstruating as
they promote confusion in the body, reversing
the natural downward pull of gravity. At the
time of menstruation the body relies on this
downward pull of gravity to effectively cleanse
and release waste from the womb. During pregnancy
full shoulder stand without the use of a wall
is ill advised. The additional weight of your
baby may place unsafe pressure on the spine
that you are unable to balance or hold. Nausea
may be caused, as can a shifting and displacement
of your baby and the umbilical cord into an
unsafe position.
