Viparita Karani Asana

       In Sanskrit, Viparita means "inverted" or "reversed," Karani means "doing" or "making." This Asana translates to Inverted Pose.

     This Asana is often referred to as Legs Up The Wall because this practice can also be practiced with the legs against the wall for support during the practice. This Asana is also preformed as a Mudra practice.

Practice

  • Lie flat on the back with the legs and feet together in a straight line.

  • Inhale placing the hands and arms close to the body with the palms facing down.

  • Exhale raising both legs, keeping them straight and together.

  • Move the legs over the body towards the head.

  • Push down on the arms and hands, raising the buttocks off the floor.

  • Roll the spine from the floor, taking the legs further over the head.

  • Turn the palms up, bend the elbows and let the top of the hips rest on the base of the palms near the wrist.

  • The hands cup the hips and support the weight of the body.

  • Keep the elbows as close to each other as possible.

  • Raise both the legs to the vertical position and relax the feet.

  • In the final position, the weight of the body rests on the shoulders, neck and elbows, the trunk is at a 45 degree angle to the floor and the legs are vertical.

Viparita Karani Mudra
Duration

  • Beginners should practice for a few seconds only, gradually increasing the time over a period of weeks to an optimum of 3 to 5 minutes for general health purposes.

  • Note

  • This practice should be performed only once during the Asana sequence.
  • If needed a folded blanket can be placed under the shoulder blades for added comfort.

  • Sequence

  • This Asana is a preparatory practice for Sarvangasana.

  • Awareness

  • While practicing bring your awareness to Vishuddhi Chakra.
  • Precautions with Viparita Karani Asana

  • Do not practice is you have glaucoma, high blood pressure, any heart related issue or a hernia.

  • Benefits of Viparita Karani Asana

  • Boosts energy.

  • Alleviates headaches.

  • Relieves lower back pain.

  • Relieves varicose veins.

  • Improves digestion.

  • Calms the nervous system.

  • Activates Vishuddhi Chakra.

  • Related Hatha Yoga Practices


    Neti Pot

    Shatkarma

       The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.

    Asana

    Asana

       Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.

    Pranayama

    Pranayama

       Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.

    Bandha

    Bandha

       The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.

    Mudra

    Mudra

       The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.

    Meditation

    Meditation

       Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.

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