Video Vault • Shoulder-stand with chair support

Do not practice if menstruating or have neck pain

This supported inversion can benefit your immune system. When you are upside-down there is increased circulation of lymph (a clear, watery fluid that moves through the body picking up bacteria and viruses and filtering them out via the lymph nodes) into the respiratory organs, where germs often enter the body. When you return to an upright position, gravity drains the lymph, sending it through your lymph nodes for cleansing.

This inversion also deeply rests the nervous system. This will help quieten your mind, and a quiet mind is able to respond to the situations much more effectively.

Chair shoulder-stand is effective if you are feeling low in energy, experiencing anxiety, irritability or insomnia.

'Sarvangasana (shoulder-stand) is the Mother of asanas. As a mother strives for harmony and happiness in the home, so this asana strives for harmony and happiness in the human system. Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar'.