Tue 7 Jul 2009
An inversion is typically classified as any posture where our pelvis is elevated above our head. Inversions are powerful physical and energetic yoga practices with their roots in the practical, theoretical, and esoteric teachings of yoga.
On a practical level, the regular practice of inversions has been proven to offer many health benefits. There are four major systems within the body that the regular practice of inversions positively influences: cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, and endocrine.
On a theoretical level, an important concept in Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, offers that many of the body’s impurities reside in the lower abdomen. When we elevate our pelvis above our head in inverted postures, gravity assists us in moving these toxins towards what Ayurveda calls our inner agni (fire). In this case agni refers to our “digestive fire” which is located above the lower abdomen and is said to kindle all of our biological processes.
On an esoteric level, one of the oldest surviving classical Sanskrit manuals, the “Haṭhayoga Pradīpikā” classifies the headstand, shoulderstand, and other related inverted postures under “Viparita Karani” (viparita = inverted, karani = process). According to the Author, Swami Swatmarama, Viparita Karani is considered one of ten sacred mudras (energetic seals) that “conquer old age and death.” However, this requires a daily practice of Viparita Karani Mudra for three hours!
Learn more about inversions, their benefits, and how to integrate them into your practice on July 11th at 8 Limbs Capitol Hill. All levels welcome.
What are your stumbling blocks in and questions about Inverted Poses?
Posted by: Maygen McGrew
August 6th, 2009 at 12:43 am
As Maygen explained and visibly demonstrated as we invert our bodies we exchange our “normal” flow of energy and bring fresh blood flow to the brain and upper part of the body. This was evident during the inversion practices. We learned of the many ways to approach inversions and how we can choose one or many methods that suit our practice, style, level, etc. Maygen allowed for a playful and knowledgeable approach to working with inversions and I definitely gained some insight, and applied the lessons, into how crucial and necessary a solid, stable and strong foundation is to be able to create shapes such as pincha mayurasana and handstand. It was a great workshop and the only thing I can suggest is the next to be at least 2 days!
August 7th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Inversions have been my favorite part of practice since the first time I held myself upside down in Sirsasana. There’s just something about being upside down that make me feel so wonderful (see details in Maygen’s post).
But one inversion, in particular, has been my Everest for years: Pincha Mayurasana. This beautiful bird pose has been teaching me a lot about myself for a long time. So, when Maygen told us about her upcoming workshop, I was quick to sign up in hopes of finally reaching my goal of holding myself up, on my own, in Pincha.
About an hour or so into the workshop, we were to practice our peacock. I tried five times, lifting, struggling and floating back down. Then, I retraced Maygen’s instructions in my head: use the shoulder mantra, use your core, use your breath and your bandas…and suddenly, I was doing it! I was up on my own!
Ah, but my excitement was also my distraction and my downfall, literally. Yet, I was quite happy and thankful to Maygen. Reaching my goal felt so terrific and helped me to see my problems and other Everests in a new way: capable of being overcome. And that’s why I love yoga; it gives you a wonderful lens with which to see life through.
Thanks for the rad workshop. Hope to participate again, soon.
Love!
Sarah