Many of us have not tried doing a headstand, handstand or shoulder stand since we were little. For some of us, it used to come naturally. What we did not know then is that inversions can be wonderful for our circulation, for strengthening the abdominals, for taking the edge off of depression and for stretching the back. As with some of the more challenging yoga poses, there are a few conditions that should make people hesitate before trying them.
High blood pressure, sufferers of migraines, glaucoma patients, people with head or neck injuries and pregnant women should definitely ask their doctor before going into any inversions. Some schools of thought actually recommend inversions for some of these conditions, however, you’re always better off getting the go ahead from your physician. Pregnant women may have a little more breathing room here if they were already practicing them.
If your doctor definitely wards you away from full inversions, then you can ask about a compromise. Legs Up Against the Wall is a wonderful way to ease ankle swelling and to get some of the other benefits of full inversions. You can also enjoy the change of perspective that inversions offer without having to maintain balance. To come into Legs Up Against the Wall:
1. Sit with one side of your body next to a secure wall.
2. Begin moving your legs up the wall. The gluteals and the backs of the legs will be on the wall.
3. Rest your upper body on the floor with your hands relaxed at your sides.
4. Stay here for about thirty seconds when you first start. You can increase the time little by little; eventually staying in it for ten minutes or longer.
If there is nothing holding you back physically from trying full inversions, then make sure you begin practicing them with an instructor. Some general yoga classes don’t teach them often. Ask your instructor if a special class can be held for advanced poses, or see if they can spend an extra ten minutes with you before or after class. If you have had an instructor work with you before, but now want to try them at home, then make sure that you start near a wall, preferably in a corner until you are convinced of your abdominal, gluteal and lower back strength. Always remember to engage the Root Lock (tighten through the perineum) during your inversions and as always, breathe.
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