(By Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar)

Have you seen how the world looks standing on your head? If you have, you would know it feels exhilarating being upside down! Not only does it strengthen your body, but it also shifts you internally. 

Here, let's explore what inversions mean and the mental and emotional benefits of practising 3 simple and 2 challenging inversions.

What Are Inversions? 

Inversions in yoga include all the poses in which your heart is raised above your head, making you look like you're defying gravity. They vary in difficulty, ranging from simple Downward Dog posture to hand balances such as Crane Pose and Handstands.

Simple Yet Powerful Inversions

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana Or Shoulder Supported Bridge

Raising your hips to form Bridge will redirect the blood flow towards your head, improving circulation. The gentle compression in the neck also balances thyroid function. To perform this pose, lie down, fold your legs and bring your feet close to your hips. Raise your hips to give a gentle stretch to your back. If your hands can reach your ankles, hold them. Hold this for 30 seconds, then take a break. Repeat this 2 more times.

Adhomukha Swanasana Or Downward Dog Pose

Downward Dog Pose is considered to be an instant mood booster. Any time you feel low, form an inverted V shape with your palms shoulder-width apart and feet together. Stretching in this manner will relax your shoulders and release stress.

Padahastasana Or Hand-to-Feet Pose

This humbling pose improves your flexibility - mentally and physically. You begin by standing upright and raising your arms. Exhale as you bend forward and place your palms beside your feet. You may bend your knees in the beginning and gradually straighten with practice.

Challenging Inversions For Deeper Growth

Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand

The reversed blood flow in this pose facilitates nutrients to efficiently flow to your hair and skin, resulting in youthful skin and stronger hair. To do this, lay on your back and raise your legs. Bring your legs close to your upper body, raise your hips off the ground and support your back with your palms. Begin to align your back and legs and hold this posture for 30-60 seconds.

Sirshasana or Headstand

One of the best asanas for students, Headstand improves neural connectivity and boosts memory. To form this pose, interlock your fingers and place your elbows on the ground. Keep your hand on the ground and support it behind with your fingers. Lift your knees, straighten them and bring your toes closer to your head. Make your spine straight, engage your core and gently raise your legs off the ground. Balance here for 30 seconds.

Why Inversions Matter:

• Stave off Stress: Practising poses that reverse the usual upright position can bring a welcome change and make it more efficient for blood to flow to your brain. This makes your neural connections stronger, making it easier for you to handle stress.
• Boost Confidence: These poses boost confidence in two ways. Firstly, they make your skin radiant and your hair grow strong. Second, the challenging poses make you believe in your capabilities more. This dual effect can help you form stronger social connections.
• Resilience: These poses also stretch hamstrings and shoulders and release the built-up tension, making you feel relaxed. You learn that you can bend and not break.

Precaution:

If you're pregnant or if you have any of these conditions, please consult a doctor or a yoga expert before commencing your practice: 

• High or Low Blood Pressure 
• Cardiac conditions
• Vertigo
• Neck or shoulder injuries

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar is an author, columnist, and the founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa