Yoga Anatomy

Notes

The foundation of this pose, as in setu bandhasana (page
186), is the shoulder girdle (not the neck). To truly be a
shoulder stand, the muscles that elevate, adduct, and
downwardly rotate the scapulae must be strong enough
to keep the scapulae in that position despite the weight
of the entire body resting on them. When preparing
for this pose, it is essential that the scapulae find eleva-
tion along with the other actions; if the scapulae are
depressed, the cervical spine receives the weight of the
whole body in a flexed position, which makes it very
vulnerable to injury.
Entering the pose from halasana (page 199) is more
demanding on the extensors of the spine, especially the
thoracic spine, because they are in an elongated position
before contracting. Entering from setu bandhasana is
more demanding on the extensors of the shoulder joints
and the flexors of the spine (the psoas and abdominal
muscles).
From the perspective of the muscles of the spine and
abdomen, being in this pose is less challenging than
getting into it. However, remaining in the pose is more
challenging for the muscles of the scapulae, because
they are bearing the static load of the body.

Breathing

The more mobility that exists in the scapulae (or the
less resistance from other muscles of the thorax), the
less compromised the breath is in this position. This
pose takes a tremendous amount of both flexibility and
strength in the entire shoulder girdle. Without the integ-
rity of the shoulder girdle, the weight collapses down
into the thorax and the diaphragm becomes obstructed.
Keeping the base of the rib cage open allows the dia-
phragm and abdominal viscera to shift effectively toward
the head so the full benefits of inversion can occur.

E5267/Kaminoff/fig9.10/417763/alw/pulled-r1

E5267/Kaminoff/fig9.11/417764/alw/pulled-r1

Center line of gravity passing

through the base of support.

Lymph drainage in shoulder

stand.

Salamba Sarvangasana (continued)