Salamba Sarvangasana- Shoulder stand benefits for the student and teacher

I am going to write this really long diatribe on it- actually quote it from Iyengar's 'Light on Yoga' and how well it worked in class to keep us from getting bored or distracted from holding the pose. Yet, as I'm in an ADHD moment, I need to run out for a bit, but do promise to finish this when I get back! It's quite interesting.

ok, back :). So, I find that shoulderstand, for some reason seems to get tedious. I know it's practically one of the best poses one can do, yet for a lengthy period of time to receive the most of its' powerful benefits. There are several variations of sarvangasana, which, again, one tends to go into instead of staying in one form. The other day I read from B K S Iyengar's "Light on Yoga" all the benefits of the pose and not only did I enjoy reading it again the students also found it to be quite interesting as well. ( I really love my students!)

This is from the most recent addition of the text and here goes: page 212

The importance of Sarvangasana cannot be over-emphasised. It is one of the greatest boons conferred on humanity by our ancient sages. Sarvangasana is the Mother of asanas. As a mother strives for harmony and happiness in the home, so this asana strives for the harmony and happiness of the human system. It is a panacea for most common ailments. There are several endocrine organs or ductless glands in the human system which bathe in blood, absorb nutriments from the blood and secrete hormones for proper functioning of a balanced and well developed body and brain. If the glands fail to function the body starts to deteriorate. Amazingly enough many of the asanas sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid and helps them function properly (side not kids! I had my thyroid removed years ago and still wonder if anything happens for my missing thyroid in this pose). Sarvangasana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid glands which are situated in the neck region, since due to the firm chinlock their blood supply is increased. Further, since the body is inverted (great at any time of day here kids!) the venous blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of gravity. Healthy blood is allowed to circulate around the neck and chest. As a result, persons suffering from breathlessness, palpitation, asthma, bronchitis, and throat ailments get relief. As the head remains firm in this inverted position, and the supply of the blood to it is regulated by the firm chinlock, the nerves are soothed and headaches- even chronic ones- disappear. continues practice of this asana eradicates common colds and other nasal disturbances. Due to the soothing effect of this pose on the nerves, those suffering from hypertension, irritation, shortness of temper, nervous breakdown, and insomnia are relieved. The change in bodily gravity also affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels move freely and constipation vanishes. As a result the system is freed from toxins and one feels full of energy. The asana is recommended for urinary disorders and uterine displacement, menstrual trouble, piles, and hernia. It also helps relieve epilepsy, low vitality and anemia. It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practises sarvangsana he will feel new vigor and strength, and will be happy and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of this asana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality. The sarvangasana cycle activates the abdominal organs and relieves people suffering from stomach and intestinal ulcers, severe pains in the abdomen and colitis.

test

will this ever work?? grrr

Balance poses fun

I honestly cannot say that I have a favorite pose but balancing poses do rank higher on my list than others. Certainly there are too many balance poses and they emcompass all parts of the body. While Ilove inversion balances, today I taught a sequence of Warrior II (Virabridrasana II) into Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana) into Warrior III (Virabrdrasana III) and finally revolved Half Moon (Parivritta Ardha Chandrasana). While it was a level 2/3 class and had about 9 regular students, we first moved through the sequence using blocks for balance. Afterwards, we went with our own ability levels and moved through that sequence without any balance help from our hands to the floor. The studio room was rather quiet so I was quite unsure if my students were cursing me under their breath or focused, or planning an escape! After we did the first side, I asked If they enjoyed this sequence or if they would rather use blocks or hands on the floor to assist in balance. It was almost in unison that they were greatly enjoying this challenge. We continued to work through the sequence and did it again after it was suggested to enjoy it again. Hey, you need to listen to the feedback from your students to create a welcoming and enjoyable class!

a one student class

I had one student, whom I also practice with regularly, show up for my class last evening. I wasn't thrilled as I never had only student before. We're also about the same age so maybe it wouldn't be so bad, right? I know her practice very well and asked her if she wanted to work on anything in particular to which she replied; "I'm up for the unknown final pose. That's why I come to your classes."
We went through class together and ended up having so much fun I didn't even incorporate every sequence I had intended. She has a beautiful practice, therefor I don't usually have to look after her alignment too much. There was never an uncomfortable moment and I suppose I expected one.........just an enjoyable evening of practice and I look forward to more.