Half Shoulder Stand Pose is a beginner inversion pose to help you learn balance and stability. Here are some helpful tips – and benefits of this unique pose…

Shoulder Stand is one of those classic yoga poses you see a lot, but this full inversion pose is not that easy for beginners. Before you try to heave your body all the way upside down into full Shoulder Stand, it is a good idea to get comfortable with Half Shoulder Stand Pose (Ardha Sarvangasana). Half Shoulder Stand takes some of the weight off of the neck and shoulders, and puts more onto your upper arms and elbows, while allowing you to practice balancing in this inverted position.

Half Shoulder Stand (like full Shoulder Stand Pose) improves blood circulation, stimulates the thyroid, and is thought to activate the immune system and keep signs of aging at bay.

Half Shoulder Stand pose is not recommended for those with recent or chronic neck or shoulder injury or high blood pressure, or for women during menstruation or after the first trimester of pregnancy.

Here are instructions for performing this unique pose:

1. Lying on your back with the arms along side the body with the palms down, bend the knees and kick and rock the legs up and back, bringing the bent knees to the forehead and placing the hands under the hips.

2. Cupping the hips like you are holding a big bowl of fruit, begin to lift the legs up, straightening them over your head. Support the weight of the body with the arms and the shoulders, having very little or no weight in the head and neck.

3. Find a position where you can balance the legs over the head and relax the leg muscles, using as little effort as possible to be still.

4. Breathe and hold 4-10 breaths.

5. To release: bend the knees back to the head, and carefully and slowly roll the spine back onto the floor. Breathe and relax for 2-4 breaths.

Read More at YogaBasics.com…

(Please Note: Next week is our Spring Blogging Break Week, so we will not be posting – but be sure to check back the following week for more handy yoga tips, a fun & functional yoga workout, and more!)