Salamba Sarvangasana

Ardha Sarvangasana

Salamba Sarvangasana

sah-LAHM-bah SAHR-vahn-GAH-sah-nah

“salamba” = supported

“sarva” = all or whole

“anga” = limb or body

Whole Body Supported Posture

Also known as: Supported Shoulderstand

Heart of Pose

• Inversion

Notes

• Called the “Queen” or “Mother” of all asanas.
• To avoid putting too much pressure on cervical vertebrae, Ardha Sarvangasana is a milder version where hips are aligned over elbows.

INTROSPECTION + THE MOTHER ARCHETYPE OF COMPASSION & NURTURANCE

Each posture affects your subtle energy differently. Shoulderstand represents the energies of the Mother archetype — compassionate, nurturing, benevolent — and focuses your gaze on yourself, as compared with Sirsasana (Headstand), for example, which has you face outward. Shoulderstand lets you be introspective. This is especially true for propped versions… Accepting support allows you to give up your ambition in the pose and take deep rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. – Judith Hanson Lasater 

Effects / Benefits

Energy, Mood, Emotion

For a more complete look at this topic, see the effects of inversions in general.

Effects to energy, mood or emotion may include the following.

• Soothes nervous system.
• Relaxing.
• Brings a sense of calm.
• Also said to be energizing in a soothing, rejuvenating way with a “nurturing effect”.
• Said to relieve fatigue.