3 Reasons to Put Your Legs up The Wall

Julie's iPhone Jan 2016 379

Viparita Karani

Viparita Karani is commonly known as ‘Legs up the wall pose’ which is a fairly straightforward explanation of what the pose actually entails. However the benefits of this simple posture are pretty remarkable; which is no surprise why it is deemed ‘The Great Rejuvenator’. It’s a lovely combination of both a restorative and inverted posture and personally one of my favourites.

This yoga posture is lovely to practice if you’ve been on your feet all day, after travelling or at the end of your yoga practice. In relation to this pose Donna Farhi says “If you have time for no other practice, I recommend this one”. Here are the reasons why:

Improve Circulation

By reversing the effects of gravity in this inversion, it can help the movement and flow of both blood and lymphatic fluid. This improved circulation will help reduce oedema and also gives a gentle boost toward the upper body. In scriptures it’s also known to ‘destroy old age’ by diminishing wrinkles!

Reduces Anxiety

This quiet restorative postures helps calm the mind. Inversions have been long been linked to improving mood and reliving symptoms of depression. With your legs up the wall you get all those benefits without the work. Relaxing in this posture combined with deep rhythmic breathing, the nervous system has an opportunity to slow down.

Post Workout Rejuvenation 

Spending time with your legs up the wall will drain out any tension in your legs and feet. This is especially important for those sports people or gym bunnies that rely on the strength and stamina of the legs. With the weight of the femur bone in the hip sockets, the psoas has space to relax while the hamstrings are also being stretched. Excellent after ‘Leg Day’ in the gym ?

How to do it:Viparita Karani

  • Sit with your hip against the wall then roll onto your back swinging the legs vertically up the wall with the sitting bones as close if not touching the wall.
  • Adjust the distance to the wall if the hamstrings are tight so you can comfortably rest the heels against the wall and keep the legs straight.
  • Relax your arms alongside the body, palms facing up or alternatively above the head to open the shoulders.
  • Make sure your back is straight, the chin is tucked toward the chest slightly and the back of your neck is extended.
  • Enjoy the pose anywhere from 5-15 minutes breathing deeply all the time.

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To practice and enjoy lots more poses like this one check out our upcoming Satmya Residential Retreat. This retreat will give you a chance to detox and cleanse using the wisdom of Ayurveda and the practice of Yoga.

About the author, Julie Hyde
Julie Hyde Yoga