Pose 3 benefits from putting your legs up against the wall: It is difficult to believe that simply lying on one’s back with one’s legs elevated against a wall could impact one’s mental or physical health. Yoga practitioners have known for millennia that the most effective postures are the simplest. This ancient pose has many benefits, such as soothing the nervous system, boosting the immune system, giving you a break, and extending your life. It is an excellent option in today’s world of tension and frantic activity. Please read on for a comprehensive guide to Viparita Karani and its benefits.
The appellation Viparita Karani, found in 17th-century yogic texts, reveals a great deal more about the purpose of the posture. The word viparita means inverted, whereas Karani means “in action.” This pose, which many individuals refer to as “legs up the wall,” is intended to balance fluids, blood flow, and vitality. In addition to reversing the flow of corporeal fluids, this posture can also reverse the flow of prana, or ‘life force energy. Viparita Karani can be used as a mudra and a yoga pose.
After six months of practise, grey hair and creases are no longer noticeable. It is possible to overcome mortality after three hours of practise.
Despite the fact that we cannot guarantee immortality or prevent grey hair in the future, this pose may have some benefits. It could reduce oxidative stress and aid in inflammation reduction. Here are defining Pose 3 benefits from putting your legs up against the wall.
Pose 3 benefits from putting your legs up against the wall
Lymphatic and glymphatic functions support your immune system.
Viparita Karani is comparable to inversions such as shoulder stand and headstand because it allows for the circulation of fresh blood to the upper extremities and stimulates the lymphatic fluid flow. The majority of lymph nodes are located in the neck, stomach, and groyne, despite the importance of the lymphatic system in filtering out bacteria and other potentially harmful cells. These inverted positions are crucial for transporting fluid there. The lymphatic system lacks a compressor like the circulatory system, so its functions are dependent on gravity and movement.
The stimulation of the lymphatic system is a second advantage of elevating the legs during rest. This system is responsible for “sweeping away” the pathogens filtered by the lymphatic system. It also functions as a crucial second stage in the removal of unwanted pathogens from the body. How do you make everything function so well? Relax. These systems function more effectively when the body is calm.
It activates the parasympathetic nervous systems – our resting and digest state.
Inverting your body enables you to decelerate your respiration, thereby signalling to the vagus nerve that it is safe to relax completely. The origin of the vagus nerve, a long nerve, is the brain. The blood then travels through the body, connecting to the heart, the pharynx, and the diaphragm before reaching the stomach. This nerve continuously perceives the state of the body and transmits impulses to the brain. These impulses then affect our emotions.
Do you move quickly and breathe rapidly? The vagus nerve detects tension and relays that information to the brain. This stimulates the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, by the brain. Relax your breathing and stretch your legs out against the wall as you lie down. This nerve detects calmness and relays the information to the brain. It can then assist you in shifting from the sympathetic nervous system (‘fight or flight’) to the parasympathetic nervous system (‘rest and assimilate’).
It relieves sore muscles, joints, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
Your joints and vertebra can become compressed when you move quickly or sit at a computer for extended periods of time. This may result in additional soreness and symptoms. Viparita Karani, a type of Viparita yoga, can be an excellent method to alleviate lower back tension and alleviate fatigue and heaviness in the feet, legs, and hips. This position is beneficial for those with swollen feet and ankles.
Who should do this pose?
While Viparita Karani can be a safe and gentle position for most people, there are some situations when you might want to avoid it or choose a different variant where your back is not flat. You should not use Viparita Karani if you are pregnant, have untreated high blood pressure, or if your eyesight is impaired. A vital and supported Savasana, which includes blankets and cushions supporting the body, is another great way to relax. You can stimulate your lymphatic system by gently elevating your feet on a cushion or yoga block. This will still provide great benefits.
Also read: Five ways to boost your immune system
How to make Legs up the Wall pose?
Viparita Karani is a great option for a 5- or 10-minute break during your workday. It reverses and rebalances the energetic and physical body. This is a great way for you to change your mind and get a much-needed break to go back to work feeling calm and refreshed.
- Place a yoga mat on the wall so that its short edge touches the wall.
- You can set a time limit of 5 to 20 minutes, but you should start with a few minutes if this is your first time.
- Place your back against the wall and then move to lie down on the mat.
- You should feel comfortable in this position.
- Concentrate on slowing down and relaxing your breathing. Move your awareness from your feet towards your head on the inhale and your head toward your feet on the exhale.
- To get out of this position, wrap your knees around your chest and roll over to the side.
- After a few seconds, slowly move into the child’s position and slowly rise to sit.