Sarvangasana/Shoulder-stand: The Mother of Asanas- Research Analysis


"Sarvangasana, As the mother struggles throughout her life for the happiness of her children, 'the Mother of asanas' strives for peace and health of the body". -Gita Iyengar

sarvangasana



"Yoga Happens Beyond The Mat"

Wide-ranging effects of inverted poses on body chemistry. By flipping the orientation, it turns the body's gravitational force in the other direction, pulling everything towards the head. These postures are part of a group of yoga postures that assist in boosting brainpower and immunity. Similar to how I explained the science behind Headstand (Sirsasana) in my last essay, I'll shed some light on Sarvangasana, the second-best yoga pose.


Sarvangasana or Shoulder-stand

Sarvangasanas, often known as "the mother of asanas," acts on the entire body's chemistry, as suggested by its name (sarva- for total, ang- body parts, asana-body posture), as described by Sh. BKS Iyengar. Since it is an inverted pose, it has the tendency to control blood flow in the opposite direction, delivering it to the brain where it feeds neurons and affects the mind and emotions.

When you are lying on your back with your upper hands on your mid-back and your legs raised, the weight of your lower body is supported by your head, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. Adjust in a comfortable posture such that your focus is on your toes and your head's sagittal and transverse lines are parallel to your mid-sagittal and mid-frontal lines. By adopting this posture, the blood will eventually flow in the opposite direction and more quickly into the head and neck. In the poorak (inhalation) and rechak (exhalation) kriya, there will be a humming sound, similar to a bee, as you achieve this posture.





From the research point of view- 

 

This Asana has a highly positive impact on the body, thus researchers from a variety of fields, including science, medicine, and yoga, have used it. It is one of the top three poses in the yoga genre. Numerous studies have examined its importance in improving cognitive function, its effects on the cardiovascular system, and its use in treating hypothyroidism. Several examinations were given to groups of students, swimmers, and sports personnel. Their necessary efficacy was also assessed by tracking factors like heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, reaction time, etc. In one study, participants were divided into two groups: one practised yogic asanas and pranayama, and the other didn't participate in either yogic or non-yogic practices. The person undertaking the practises was supposed to go through a series of Sarvangasana and pranayama, for an hour each day for six months, under qualified guidance. He collected data from pre- and post-tests demonstrating beneficial benefits and changes in participants who frequently engaged in yoga practises in their blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, reaction speed, and other metrics. Along with improvements in their blood pressure, pulse rate, reaction time, and lung function, researchers also noticed that these participants' behaviour and mood had improved. Along with a decrease in their degree of frustration, there appeared to be an effective 80% reduction in their migraine issues. As a result, Sarvangasana excelled in terms of general health parameters. Similar research revealed that this asana improved subject efficiency compared to individuals who weren't using it at all.



"The flexible mind is typically unsure but frequently right, while the rigid mind is extremely certain yet frequently wrong."-

Sarvangasana, Halasana, Marjariasana, Matsyasana, Bhujangasana, and a few of the pranayams like Bhramari and Ujjayi all play significant roles in activating the thyroid gland, according to Minal S. Pajai and Sanket V. Pajai's research on The Role of Yoga in the Prevention of Hypothyroidism from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. The most prevalent endocrine disorder is thyroid disease, which is widespread throughout the world. Hypothyroidism is brought on by inadequate thyroid production. The thyroid gland's malfunction leads to an imbalance of thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland, which produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), is controlled by the hypothalamus through thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).


(Note 1: Yoga should be used as a supportive or supplementary therapy in addition to approved medical treatment for significant thyroid issues.)


Breathing and Awareness

Start by taking a deep breath in, then hold it until you are in the desired position. Practise deep, slow breathing while in your finishing posture. Once you are in the last position, hold your breath. Keep your initial focus on your breathing, then after a while, turn it to the physiological and emotional changes happening inside of you. Pay attention to your neck, thyroid, or Vishuddhi Chakra.

According to studies, this article emphasises on the significance of the Sarvangasana/shoulder stand. In my upcoming essay, I'll go into this pose's health and mental benefits as well as how it stimulates the throat chakra, also known as vishuddhi.




Tanmay Bhati



Other Articles From Yogacosmicscience:













14. The Anatomy of Sushumna Nadi.

15. Nuances of Yoga

16. Sattva Rajas Tamas.

17. Pranayama form Heart and Related Research.

18. Can I see the seven chakras physically and what are the associated frequencies with each chakra? 

19. Awareness is the key: how consciously we deal with yogic practices to increase awareness.

20. Physiology of a Child's Brain: The First Parenting Lesson is to Observe Them

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