Asana 10 - Sarvangasana (pan body pose)

Sarvangasana: (Pan body Pose)

Technique: (to be learned under supervision)

Ø  Lie flat on the back. Fold thighs over the torso so that the knees touch the forehead.

Ø  Support the back between the chest and hip with the hands elbows firmly planted on the ground.

Ø  Straighten the legs vertically upwards.

Ø  Push the chest against the chin to form a lock. This may require the hands to be brought further towards the chest. Let the back of the neck touch the ground. Keep legs and torso straight.

Ø  Relax. Breathe calmly and try to be serene. Gaze at the toes. Focus on the blood flow to the neck region.

Benefits:

Ø  This asana bathes thyroid and para-thyroid, endocrine or ductless glands situated at the base of the neck on both sides of the windpipe below the larynx with fresh oxygen rich blood. Thyroid controls the speed of chemical reactions in the body, influencing among others, and rate of growth and development of sexual characteristics in the adolescent. Defective thyroid could lead to goitre and cretinism in children.  Parathyroid controls use of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Ø  Owing to the inverted pose, blood supply aided by gravity rushes down. The neck lock ensures that the blood circulates around the organs in the region, primarily the thyroid and parathyroid.

Ø  The inverted pose also increases blood supply to the brain stem which regulates functions such as heart rate, breathing, sleep, eating and cranial nerves and can support all treatments of the brain stem.

Ø  The inverted pose pushes intestines against diaphragm and sets up peristalsis. Helps cure constipation.

Ø  This asana helps balance all metabolic activity and increases resistance to disease.

Ø  Should not to be done by people having neck ailments like cervical spondylitis and those with high blood pressure should start this exercise only after getting proficiency in asanas and that too, increase intensity of practice gradually, under guidance of a doctor.

Some noteworthy points:

Ø  Beginners should learn this asana under supervision. The reason is that the entire body is upended to balance on the shoulder an back of the head. Any loss in balance could lead to grievous damage to the neck and this should be avoided.

Ø  When learning, the experienced practitioner should stand behind the novice, supporting the back and holding the legs. This support should be gradually withdrawn as the practitioner gains strength and confidence.

Ø  Many people worry about a gap in the neck on the ground during neck lock. One should not worry. The natural arch of the cervical portion of the neck is supported by a multitude of minor muscles. These muscles will be stiff initially and will relax with practice. Over time, the neck will flex to its natural position. Placing arch supports below the neck might hamper this process.

Ø  This asana MUST be followed by matyasana (turtle pose) to reverse the neck lock with a counter pose.