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and stretch the shoulders away from the neck and also to bring the
elbows close to each other. If the elbows are widened, the trunk cannot
be pulled up properly and the pose will look imperfect. Also see that the
neck is straight with the centre of the chin resting on the sternum.
In the beginning, the neck moves sideways and if this is not corrected,
it will cause pain and injure the neck.
- Remain in this pose for not less than 5 minutes. Gradually
increase the time to 15 minutes; this will have no ill effects.
11. Release the hands, slide down to the floor, lie flat and relax.
As the weight of the whole body is borne on the neck and shoulders
and as the hands are used to support the weight this asana is called
Salamba Sarvangasana. In Sarvangasana there are various movements
which can be done in addition to the basic pose described above.
Effects
The importance of Sarvangasana cannot be over-emphasised. It is one
of the greatest boons conferred on humanity by our ancient sages.
Sarvangasana is the Mother of asanas. As a mother strives for harmony
and happiness in the home, so this asana strives for the harmony and
happiness of the human system. It is a panacea for most common ail-