A simple 'end of day' practice for increasing youthfulness and vitality -- and sleeping well!
Why inversions matter, and how you can do them safely
Humans are subject to many internal and external ‘depleting’ or ‘negative’ forces, which only become more apparent as we get older and the natural resilience (and confidence) of youth fades away.
Some aspects of our lives, we have more choice or control over, others less so.
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For example, our eating patterns may be down to our learned habits, and tie into what we enjoyed growing up, but they are learned nonetheless, and we can undo them if they are unhealthy. We have a certain amount of control.
One of the forces we don’t have control over is gravity… our bodies are impacted by this constant downward force, and we’re generally not taught to counter its effects by society.
This is because most are oblivious to it, doctors included.
Yoga
One of the most important practices of yoga are the inversions. Man is usually upright, apart from when he is sleeping, and the force of gravity constantly pushes down on his internal organs, blood and energy flow.
Why is it that we have many common disorders of the lower body, such as varicose veins, sore legs and feet, irritations of the colon and bowel, diseases of the reproductive organs, sagging abdomens, a weakening of the functions of our visceral organs (heart, lungs liver, pancreas, intestines), droopy facial muscles, and a general feeling of heaviness or lethargy?
The downward pull of gravity means the lower (part of the) body receives too much blood and too much pressure from above, and it is also unfortunate for the organs and glands above the heart which do not receive their fair share of blood, particularly the brain.
The negative effects of gravity only becomes more pronounced with time – as the vigour and vitality of youth recedes to give way to premature middle and old age.
Many people already start to feel “old” in their 40s, when they have only been an adult for about 10 years according to the wisdom of astrology; the latter teaches us that becoming a man/woman happens around 29 to 30 years of age, rather than 18 or 21 (which are merely legal markers).
Even more crucially, from the standpoint of yoga, it is obvious that the constant downward pull of gravity works against the yogi’s endeavour to raise his/her energy up to the brain and higher centres of awareness, and to transmute lower consciousness into higher states of blissful awareness (sat chit ananda).
The solution is to use gravity to restore proper balance to the body – i.e. work with it.
There’s wisdom in the saying, ‘put your feet up.’
Countering gravity
In the rest of this article, I cover basic techniques I teach my clients and students to do, as well as more advanced techniques for those who are seasoned yogis and highly self-aware.
The simple poses can really impact your wellbeing over time, and help reverse premature aging.
Why? Because your organs and glands rely on a daily reversal of energy flow to rejuvenate!
Don’t baulk at the thought of doing inversions… you can start with very simple ones, using a wall as a support. This is especially important if you don’t have much flexibility, balance or core strength.
Whenever inversions are mentioned, people immediately think of headstand and handstand. However, you certainly don’t have to do a headstand, or handstand to do an inversion… in fact, I don’t recommend doing these as a beginner!
(Yes, I know I used a photo of headstand as the main picture for this post but I liked the ‘look and feel’ of that image which captures the essence of being relaxed in an advanced posture!)
Simple inverted poses
Although many would still rather go out for a drink, or crash on the sofa and watch Netflix after a long day, once you get into the habit of doing some yoga and meditation, you will quickly feel the difference between the former and latter methods of relaxing.
Dare I say it, the latter becomes even more joyful with time and greater awareness, whereas the former quickly loses its charm, like a fake souvenir.
And… you can still watch Netflix… and then do them! ;)
IMPORTANT: Contraindications
Please check with your doctor and/or physical therapist first if you have any doubt about your health and ability to do any of these postures safely.
You should avoid doing inversions if you have a hernia, a prolapsed disc or weak back, weak neck, glaucoma or other disease of the eyes, high blood pressure (hypertension) etc.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some great ways to unwind tension/stress at the end of the day, and prepare the body for deep relaxation, as well as a good night’s sleep.
BEGINNER’S POSE: “Legs up the wall”
Pose Benefits:
Alleviates headaches
Boosts energy
Soothes menstrual cramps (some yoga traditions advice against doing Viparita Karani during menstruation)
Relieves lower-back pain
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