About This Pose

Shoulder Stand is called the Queen of Poses. It calms the nervous system and balances the thyroid gland.

How to Practice

• Lie on back, lift legs overhead
• Support back with hands
• Walk hands toward shoulder blades
• Extend legs straight up
• Keep weight on shoulders, not neck
• Engage core, press through elbows
• Hold for 30 seconds to 3 minutes
• Come down slowly

Benefits

This pose calms the brain, stimulates thyroid, stretches shoulders and neck. It improves digestion.

Contraindications

Menstruation, neck injury, high blood pressure, or serious back injury require avoiding this pose.