Making the Case for Inversions

Inversions are as poses where your heart (or the bottom half of your body) is above your head. Even outside of yoga, inversions have been used for their therapeutic benefits for many years- like the inversion tables used by chiropractors, and gravity boots. Inversions can be a little intimating and overwhelming to a beginner, but don't worry. As with most things- in life in general as well as in yoga- it just takes patience and practice.

The benefits of inversions definitely make all that patience and practice worthwhile! Going upside-down effectively reverses the action of gravity on your body. Your skin, blood, and internal organs are usually being pulled down towards your feet- flipping upside down can help reverse the effects of age (less wrinkles? OKAY) and give your organs a fresh supply of oxygenated blood.

Anytime, anywhere! With the aid of my trusty sidekick of course.

Inverting is also an excellent way to replenish and stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a big role in keeping us healthy. Lymphs move through the body and collect harmful toxins, which are then eliminated through the lymph nodes. Lymphs are moved by muscle contractions and by gravity- so turning upside down makes their job easier. If you're looking for a way to strengthen your immune system- this is a great place to start, as the lymphatic system definitely plays a key role in the immune response.

Feeling a little lackluster, or scattered? Inversions cause blood to rush to your brain which energizes not only your body, but also your mind. And honestly, sometimes you just need to flip your perspective- literally- to get some clarity on a particular situation.

"Cooling" inversions, like Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) can actually have a relaxing effect. Having just your legs (not your heart) raised above your head activates the parasympathetic nervous system- the body's relaxation response.

Physically, inversions are great for building core strength and upper body strength in general. But the mental and spiritual benefits are amazing, too- the practice and patience that I mentioned earlier which are essential in order to master inversion poses are a really excellent way to keep us coming back to the mat. It also builds self-confidence when you start to feel the pose (which seemed so daunting at first) "clicking" for you- like anything is possible!

Of course, all poses have contraindications, and it's important to be sure that incorporating any new pose into your practice will be safe and beneficial to you on an individual level. High blood pressure, detached retina, some neck injuries, epilepsy, glaucoma, and heart conditions all warrant a discussion with your doctor and an experienced teacher before being attempted on your own.

Heating inversions are the ones that we're the most familiar with- handstand, headstand, forearm stand. Cooling inversions absolutely have a place in yoga practice too, and can be much more approachable for a beginner- standing forward fold, downward facing dog, shoulder stand, and Viparita Karani.

Inversions (in any form) are a great addition to your asana practice. Now stop reading, and go get upside down!