Inversio ns are the newest big yoga trend. What is an inversion? An inversion is a fancy way to describe an upside-down pose or an asana where you lift your feet above your head. To do an inversion, you don’t have to perform a complicated headstand—you just can lie on the floor with your legs on a chair!
An inversion pose is any ansana that requires you to put your feet above your head. Shoulder stands, half shoulder stands, and headstands are all examples of some inversion poses that you can try at home. It’s important to keep in mind that a strong neck and some gentle warm-up exercises are pre-requisites to performing some of the more complicated inversion poses. So, before you try it, make sure that you’re ready!
So, why are yogic inversions so important? When you put a part of your body in new position, you begin to see and feel from a different perspective. Physically, inversions help you see the world from a unique point of view! When you invert your body, you will notice aspects of your environment that you have never consciously processed, as well as sending fresh blood to different parts of your body.
Traditional yogic doctrine teaches that many of the body’s physical impurities are located in the lower abdomen. By putting your feet above your head, you are helping to eliminate those toxins and improve circulation. People who regularly practice inversions tend to develop a strong neck, back, and abdomen.
Of course, since yoga more than just a purely physical exercise, you can receive several emotional benefits from doing an inversion. We often find ourselves stuck in our familiar habits and routines that are sometimes difficult to break. While our routines and habits help us to feel safe and comfortable, it’s important to periodically step out of your comfort zone, because new experiences help us learn and grow.
Overcoming fear is also a very important aspect of the inversion postures. For many people, the thought of being upside-down is more than a little frightening! However, when you finally face your fear and conquer an inversion pose, the sense of accomplishment and confidence that you will achieve will apply itself to all other aspects of your life!
