What is yoga inversion?
Yoga inversion is a kind of yoga asana, or posture, in which your head is placed below your heart and hips, “inverting” your body from its regular upright position.
Inversion asana is any position in which your heart is higher than your head from the ground. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani), & Headstand (Salamba Shirshasana) are examples of frequent positions.
Yoga inversion is said to relieve stress, boost circulation and vitality, and strengthen muscles. It is also said to encourage emotional development, quiet the mind and soul, direct energy into the heart, and assist you in becoming more connected to the ground.
Inversion asanas differ in difficulty and should be chosen according on your level of expertise, strength, health issues, and injury history.
Even among healthy people, it’s critical to understand how to do each asana properly in order to avoid injury and get the most benefits.
Health benefits of yoga inversion
Yoga inversion has been linked to several advantages. According to the study.
Improves circulation
Yoga inversion may improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered throughout the body while also removing waste.
Inverted positions encourage venous blood flow from the pelvis to the heart, where it is reoxygenated in the lungs. This posture may also assist to reduce your heart rate and improve oxygen absorption in the blood.
Could boost energy levels
Yoga inversion may boost alertness and vitality.
Poses that invert the body may, in principle, promote alertness and decrease weariness. They may do this by improving oxygen and food absorption in cells and releasing endorphins like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which enhance concentration and mood.
Furthermore, being upside down demands concentration, which may increase your capacity to concentrate on any circumstance that comes your way over time.
It increases flexibility and strength.
Yoga has been shown to increase balance, flexibility, and strength in people of all ages.
To keep the body in a stretched posture against the force of gravity, inversion asanas involve significant mind-body awareness and strength, which presumably enhances physical strength, endurance, and flexibility with time.
Each posture stimulates a particular muscle area, resulting in increased total limb flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
While no research on yoga inversions particularly exist, one study found that doing Downward-Facing Dog twice a week for 10 weeks resulted in substantial gains in knee and hip extension, implying improved flexibility in the hamstrings and lower back.
Boosts confidence
Yoga practice has been demonstrated to boost self-esteem, body image, and general confidence.
Many yogis feel that inversion yoga has taught them humility, patience, and persistence, since it takes time and effort to do correctly.
However, once understood, they may boost your confidence in your capacity to conquer challenges in your everyday life. It instills the concept of non-attachment and accepts imperfection.
Swelling and discomfort may be reduced.
Certain inversion asanas, such as Legs up the Wall, may help to alleviate discomfort and edema in the lower limbs by increasing lymphatic circulation. The lymphatic system helps the body maintain fluid equilibrium by removing wastes and byproducts.
The force of gravity combined with mild movement in inversion asanas provides for enhanced lymphatic flow and blood circulation away from the limbs and into the heart. As a result, pain, discomfort, and edema may be reduced.
Inversion postures should be avoided for persons with high blood pressure or injuries to the lower limbs, back, or neck.
Yoga inversion dangers
Inversion asanas are quite good to the majority of people’s health. Inversions, on the other hand, might pose health hazards in some individuals and are the leading cause of yoga-related injuries.
Those with joint difficulties, neck or back injuries, or other similar concerns should not do inversion yoga without first consulting with their doctor.
Because inversion yoga includes having your head lower than your heart, blood may flow to your face. These postures should be avoided by persons who have glaucoma, high blood pressure, or other circulatory disorders.
During pregnancy, avoid challenging asanas that totally invert the body, such as Headstand and Shoulder Stand.
Poses with four points of contact (both hands and feet on the ground), such as Downward-Facing Dog, have been demonstrated to be safe for healthy pregnant women with no pregnancy-related problems or previous illnesses.
However, before beginning any new fitness regimen during pregnancy, consult with your doctor.
Finally, as a novice, it is critical to begin with easy, low-intensity motions to limit your chance of injury. If you’re new to yoga, you may want to attend an in-person yoga session with a qualified teacher to verify you’re doing the exercises properly and safely.