Legs Up Ladies!
Viparita Karani is often called Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose, but viparita actually means "inverted," and karani means "in action." We can interpret that to mean that the pose inverts the typical actions that happen in our bodies when we sit and stand. There are many benefits to inverting the actions in your body. Here are a few.
When you put your legs up the wall with your pelvis elevated on a folded blanket, lymph and other fluids that can lead to swollen ankles, tired knees, and congested pelvic organs flow into the lower belly; this refreshes the legs and the reproductive area. This is healthy at any point in your reproductive life cycle.
This pose also gives blood circulation a gentle boost toward the upper body and head, which creates a pleasant re-balancing after you have been standing or sitting for a long time. If you are stressed, fatigued, or jet-lagged, this pose is especially refreshing.
The benefits of Viparita Karani derive not just from inverting an action but also from inverting the whole notion of action. When you relax with your legs up the wall, you are practicing the polar opposite of activity, which is receptivity. This pose relaxes me when I am doing it and yet I feel amazingly energized, refreshed and renewed when I am done.
Pose Benefits:
Alleviates headaches
Boosts energy
increases circulation and lymph drainage
Relieves hip pain
Soothes menstrual cramps (some yoga traditions advice against doing Viparita Karani during menstruation)
Relieves lower-back pain
Contraindications:
Glaucoma
Hypertension
Hernia
Stay in Viparita Karani for 5 to 20 minutes. If you are not used to restorative yoga, you may want to get up after 5 minutes, and that's fine. Over time, you will be able to stay longer. Eventually you'll trust the container of the pose to support your process of undoing, leading to more profound rejuvenation.
So, ready for some Legs-Up-the-Wall? Check out by Spiritual section of my Botanical Delights Store. I have some great balms and essential oil rollers for spiritual anointing, yoga and meditation. Great chakra balancing essential oil rollers infused with crystals.
