Viparita Karani – Legs up the wall posture.

– ‘Everyones favorite lockdown pose!’ –

This accessible yoga pose is suitable for most practitioners and has many physical and mental health benefits.

– What is Viparita Karani? –

Viparita Karani is one of my students (and my) favorite poses. It’s a rejuvenating, relaxing pose where it is easy to invoke calm within the body. Switching the nervous system from flight or fight mode (sympathetic nervous system) to rest and relaxation mode (parasympathetic nervous system).

Its a restorative pose where we put our legs up the wall for 5-10 minutes, usually at the end of class. It has a whole host of benefits and I regularly encourage students to practice it in their own time to compliment their practice outside of class.

What are the benefits of Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose)?

– Physical benefits –

The physical benefits of Viparita Karani include:

1.Allows your muscles to relax.

2. Helps calm the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety.

3. Helps relieve fatigue.

4. Releases tension and stress. (Especially in the legs and lower back)

5. Lengthens your hamstrings passively.

6. Relieves tired legs and feet (great for after exercise)

7. Stretches the glutes, hamstrings (also, if legs are apart, the hip adductors).

8. Helps improve blood circulation.

9. Helps encourage drainage of excess fluid from the ankles and feet.

This pose relaxes the shoulders, abdomen, lower back and legs. It’s great for relieving symptoms of sciatica, releasing the muscles and nerves associated with the symptoms.

It’s also great for those suffering with menstrual cramps, allowing relaxation and relief.

– Mental Benefits –

This pose really helps to calm the nervous system, thus having a calming effect on the body and mind. It helps switch on the parasympathetic nervous system, where the body can enter deep rest and relax. It is a really soothing pose to practice when feeling anxious or stressed.

What are your favorite lockdown poses? Is it also Viparita Karani?

Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and  Chair Based Yoga and Exercise teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.

Find AMALAwellness yoga and meditation classes in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Teesside and online.