When the term “inversion” comes to mind, we often think of handstands, forearm balances and other advanced yoga asanas or postures when our head ventures below our hearts. Why do these postures seem so alluring, you ask? Well, many folks (yogis included) associate inversions with one of the most addictive qualities of yoga – the pursuit of the “breakthrough.”
What is a breakthrough?
For some, a breakthrough could be the result of arduously attempting to twist, torque, mold, breathe and bend our way into a pretzel or find the deep inner strength to lift us into an arm balance we have been dying to get in to. For others, the breakthrough is simply walking into a room full of people and stepping on to the mat – period.
It’s no wonder why doctors and mental health professionals continue to recommend yoga. The origin of the word, yoga means to yoke or to conjoin. In yoga we not only exercise the physical body, but we exercise the mind alongside the spirit. When we do this, we work toward achieving deep inner peace. Yoga is often recommended as a therapy to aid in relief of symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The benefits of inversions
As mentioned, we often tend to think of inversions as being incredibly advanced postures, however any time your heart is above your head, we are considered to be inverted. Postures such as standing forward folds, shoulder stand, legs up the wall and downward facing dog are all considered to be inversions. In lineages of yoga such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar and Hatha, you will find inversions prominently mixed into the practice. This is with a very distinct purpose. Inversions have many undeniable benefits.
Internal benefits
Inversions feel so good, because as we become upside down, blood flow to the brain, heart and lungs increases. This also creates an increase in available oxygen to the brain, which improves mental clarity.
Generally speaking, inversions help to balance the brain’s hormones and chemistry. This is incredibly helpful in warding off symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other benefits of being upside down include, building strength, fortitude and resilience. It takes a momentous amount of core and back strength to lift our physical bodies into a headstand or otherwise, but it takes an equal amount if not more mental strength and fortitude to overcome the fear that is often accompanied with inversions. Slowly through rigorous training and practice, we relearn trust in ourselves and in our bodies.
Physical benefits
Other wonderful benefits include glowing facial skin as, once again, fresh blood flow is moving to these areas that might not otherwise receive it, stronger longer healthier hair, less varicose veins, lymphatic drainage, better quality of sleep, inner organs working against gravity are massaged with the breath stimulating energetic movement and working against stagnation, improved memory, enhanced energy and improved relaxation. The list goes on.
Contraindications
While there are many wonderful benefits to getting upside down, there are also some contraindications we need to be aware of if we want to start an inversion practice. Consider speaking with your doctor before starting an inversion practice if you: suffer from high or low blood pressure medicated or otherwise, have recently had a stroke, suffer from epilepsy, have a heart condition, have a neck injury, detached retina, are pregnant or potentially pregnant. Some women may choose to refrain from practicing inversions during menstruation due to risk of stroke.
Turning ourselves upside goes against everything seemingly “normal” to us as humans, however we cannot deny the proven fact that inversions are one of the most beneficial postures offered in yoga. There is a reason yoga has been practiced and handed down for thousands of years. These tried-and-true postures such as inversions go well beyond our physical bodies, reaching deeply within to a cellular and spiritual level, and improving mental health all around. So go out, get upside down, and see for yourself all of the fun, inspiring and amazing ways you can learn to heal yourself from the inside-out simply by getting inverted.