Sarvangasana, or shoulderstand, is considered one of the eight most important yogasana in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Even this inverted posture’s name suggests its power. Sarva means “all” in Sanskrit and anga means “limb” or “part”. Sarvangasana truly can benefit almost all parts of the body. (Continue reading by clicking on the link below Sundar.)

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) is a great preparatory asana for sarvangasana . Thanks to Sundar for demonstrating at his family’s home in Tamil Nadu.

If practiced properly and regularly, the asana can treat menstrual disorders, infertility, asthma, sinusitis, and depression. It can strengthen the back, neck, legs, and abdomen. In addition to this, Savangasana is considered one of the most powerful asana for improving the function and health of the thyroid gland. A healthy thyroid will result in improved metabolism and digestion, reduced fatigue, and an overall better state of wellbeing.
The thyroid, which is one of the body’s largest endocrine glands, controls how rapidly energy is burned in the body. The thyroid produces and processes the hormones responsible for regulating the rate of metabolism, most notably thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid also helps balance blood calcium levels.
Sufficient blood circulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy thyroid. While performing savangasana, slight pressure is applied to the thyroid, which essentially provides a gentle massage to the gland. This action helps stimulate circulation and remove blockages created by stagnant secretions.
Practicing other asana in the sarvangasana cycle, such as halasana (plow pose) and karna pidasana (knees to ear or ear pressure pose), will yield similar benefits.
It is important to counter shoulderstand with matsyasana (fish pose). Please click here to for information on how to perform this shoulder-opening pose. Try to maintain fish pose fish pose for 1/3 of the time shoulderstand was practiced.

Yoga Journal provides excellent instructions for sarvangasana on their website. Click on the image below to link to their site (The tutorial is for basic salamba sarvangasana, supported shouldstand).


As a reminder, please familiarize yourself with any contradictions before acquiring this or any asana. (Do not practice savangasana during menstruation or if you have a neck injury, high blood pressure/ hyper tension, or diarrhea.)

©Sophie Herbert, 2008, as to writing and photographs