Our nervous system is comprised of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems. When we react to daily events with a fight-or-flight response, we are operating within our Sympathetic Nervous System where our energy is charged and ready for action. Conversely, when we feel safe and at ease, our response pattern is befriending, resting, and digesting, which means we have shifted into our Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Both yoga and scientific research teach that healing and transformation only occur in the befriending, rest, and digest mode. This is a significant learning given that the greater the trauma and stress in our lives, the greater the likelihood that we could be living 24/7 in the Sympathetic response mode of fight or flight. For those of us living and/or working in high-stress environments (physical or psychological), we might find ourselves unable to switch off fight or flight. Responding only from a fight-or-flight capacity strains our body, mind, and spirit leaving us without rest and rejuvenation. The daily physical and psychological stress eventually manifests in diseases such as anxiety, depression, cancer, heart attack, etc.
Sarvangasana or Should Stand is an asana intended to cool, calm, and quiet the nervous system so our energy resources can be nurtured through rest and ease. Responding with an appropriate amount of energy to whatever is emerging moment-to-moment reflects the Yama of Brahmacharya — right use of energy. This delicate balance of action and calming energy requires our present moment awareness.
Along with its calming effects, Sarvangasana stretches the shoulders and neck where a great deal of physical and emotional tension can accumulate. It further reduces fluid retention in the legs and feet while improving digestion and regulating elimination. Your thyroid and parathyroid are nourished with blood. All of which reduce fatigue and improve your sleep patterns. Use the three Yoga Actions to enhance your discovery in Sarvangasana. Click on the audio file below if you wish to hear them aloud.
Yoga Action (Annamaya Kosha):
– Set up close to the wall so you can rest your toe mounds into the wall. Roll up into Sarvangasana, using your hands to support your back body.
– Without aggression, press the inner legs toward each other.
– If you feel stable, lift one arm at a time alongside your body.
Yoga Action (Pranamaya Kosha): Full-body breathing
– INHALE into the sternal notch and down the inner breast bone to the Xyphoid Process filling the thoracic cavity. Allow the breath to float down to the pelvic floor.
– EXHALE from the pelvic floor back up the face of the spine and out the nostrils.
Yoga Action (Manomaya Kosha):
– rest in the pose by silently telling your brain “Rest and digest.”
NOTE: It may take more than one pose before you awaken these yoga actions or areas in your body and begin to feel the arising sensations and releases. In that case, apply the three yoga actions to the following poses –
HALASANA
MATSYASANA
VIPARITA KARANI (if any neck issues, substitute V.K. for Sarvangasana)
PAVANA MUKTASANA
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
