Shoulder Stand

Sanskrit Name:

Sarvangasana

Description:

An invigorating inversion that promotes circulation, stimulates the thyroid, and calms the nervous system. Shoulder Stand strengthens the core and shoulders while encouraging stillness and focus.

Alignment Cues:

• Shoulders and Upper Arms:
  • Support your upper body on the tops of the shoulders, not the neck
  • Draw shoulder blades together and down the back
  • Press upper arms firmly into the mat
• Hands and Arms:
  • Hands support the lower back with fingers pointing upward
  • Elbows shoulder-width apart and hugging in—not splaying out
• Legs and Feet:
  • Extend legs straight up toward the ceiling
  • Engage the thighs and flex the feet or point the toes
• Hips and Core:
  • Stack hips directly over shoulders
  • Engage the core to support alignment and stability
• Spine and Neck:
  • Keep the neck long and in a neutral position—no turning the head
  • Support natural cervical curve by pressing into the arms
• Gaze:
  • Eyes look softly toward the chest or straight up
• Breath:
  • Steady and calm to support balance and inward focus