INVERSIONS

Question 1

Śīrṣāsana

Answer 1

Headstand

Question 2

Adho Mukha Śvānāsana

Answer 2

Downward facing dog

Question 3

Halāsana

Answer 3

Plough pose

Question 4

Sālamba Sarvāṅgāsana

Answer 4

Supported shoulder stand

Question 5

Karṇapīḍāsana

Answer 5

Deaf mans pose

Question 6

Viparītakaraṇī

Answer 6

Inverted Lake

Question 7

Śiṣulasana

Answer 7

Dolphin

Question 8

PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS (list 4)

Answer 8

• Slows heart rate and respiration therefore increases parasympathetic function
• Improves systemic circulation
• Increase lymphatic flow and increases the function of the immune system
• Increases oxygenated blood to the digestive organs
• Improves postural alignment by reversing the force of gravity
• Aims to increase blood flow to the reproductive glands and organs
• Rejuvenates body and mind, different perspective

Question 9

SAFE ALIGNMENT (general)

Answer 9

• New students practice against wall
• Avoid moving head to protect neck
• Activate core (Core strength is essential for maintaining inversions!)
• Many more for individual poses

Question 10

ANATOMICAL BENEFITS (list 3)

Answer 10

• Alleviates symptoms of chronic lower back pain associated with a prolapsed disc
• Aims to rebalance sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Reduces the symptoms of sciatica
• Establishes spinal realignment
• Improves postural alignment by reversing the force of gravity

Question 11

CAUTIONS/CONTRINDICATIONS (learn 5)

Answer 11

• Injury to the cervical vertebrae
• Eye disorders such as glaucoma and detached retina
• High blood pressure and medically diagnosed hypertension
• Excessively low blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease or complaints
• Sinus conditions
• Epilepsy
• 1st trimester of pregnancy – inversions increase pressure on the uterus and abdominal muscles
• Previous stroke
• There are more