Effects of Sarvangasana

The importance of Sarvāngāsana cannot be overemphasized. It is one of the greatest boons conferred on humanity by our ancient sages. 

Sarvāngāsana is the mother of āsanas. As a mother strives for harmony and happiness in the home, so this āsana strives for harmony and happiness of the human system.

It is a panacea for most common ailments. There are several endocrine organs or ductless glands in the human system which bathe in blood, absorb the nutriments from the blood and secrete hormones for the proper functioning of a balanced and well-developed body and brain. 

If the glands fail to function property, the hormones are not produced as they should be and the body starts to deteriorate. 

Amazingly enough many of the  āsanas  have a direct effect on the glands and help them to function properly. 

Sarvāngāsana does this for the thyroid and parathyroid glands which are situated in the neck region, since due to the firm chinlock thier blood supply is increased. 

Further since the body is inverted the venous blood flows to the heart without any strain by force of gravity. Healthy blood is allowed to circulate around the neck and chest. As a result persons suffering from breathlessness, palpitation, asthma, bronchitis and throat ailments get relief. As the head remains firm in this inverted position and the supply of the blood to it is regulated by the firm chinlock the nerves are soothe and headaches-even chronic ones-disappear. Continued practise of this āsana eradicate common colds and other nasal disturbances. Due to the soothing effect of the pose on the nerves those suffering from hypertension, irritation, shortness of temper, nervous breakdown and insomnia are relieved. The change in bodily gravity also affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels move freely and constipation vanishes. As a result the system is freed from toxins and one feels full of energy.

It is no overstatement to say that if a person regularly practise’s  Sarvāngāsana they will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy and confident.

Excerpt from Light on Yoga - B.K.S.Iyengar