Do You Know?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The name comes from the Sanskrit words\u202fvipar\u012bta<\/em>, \u201cinverted\u201d or \u201creversed\u201d, and kara\u1e47\u012b<\/em>, a particular type of practice.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vivekam\u0101rta\u1e47\u1e0da,\u202fan ancient yogi from the 13^{th<\/sup> century,\u202fdescribes the practice of viparita karani as a means of yogic withdrawal,\u202fknown as pratyahara.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}

Ancient Hindu scriptures and teachers state that viparita karani might help to delay the onset of old age and even minimises wrinkles.\u202fThough modern-day believers question such extreme benefits of viparita karani asana.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Benefits of Viparita Karani<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Viparita karani asana on regular practice could have several health benefits; some of the benefits of this pose are as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Benefits of Viparita Karani for Better Blood Flow in the Pelvic Region<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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$\"Pelvic$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Viparita karani and other inverted asanas help return blood collected in big veins and venous plexuses (a complex set of interconnected blood vessels) in the pelvis and perineum region (trunk region between the abdomen and the thighs). The blood flow is poor in this region due to longer standing positions as it otherwise drains from this region against gravity. Additionally, it manages blood flow to pelvic region (urinary bladder, further end of the ureters, rectum and reproductive organs), keeping them healthy. Thus, on regular practice, viparita karani and other inverted postures might help increase blood flow to the pelvic area and reduce pelvic abnormalities^{5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
2. Benefits of Viparita Karani for Regulating Blood Pressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"blood$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Since in this posture, the state is \u2018head-below-heart\u2019 thus, it might have a significant effect on the psycho-neuro-endocrine (interaction between the psyche, neural function and endocrine function) system. Thus, it might help manage the hormone fluctuations and their relationship to human system. It might provide relaxation, reduce stress and renew strength. Therefore, it may help manage the hormone fluctuation and mechanisms that regulate blood pressure 6<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Viparita karani may help you feel better overall as it helps you relax. In my experience, it may improve other health issues including chronic headaches and high blood pressure 8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\nDr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS<\/a><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
3. Benefits of Viparita Karani for Abdominal Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"digestion\"$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Viparita karani pose might be a beneficial pose for any problem in the abdomen area. When you hold this pose for as long as possible, all the blood can drain from the legs and flow into the abdominal area. Thus, it might help in keeping the abdominal region healthy and devoid of ailments 4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Benefits of Viparita Karani for Hypothyroidism<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"home$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Viparita karani asana, due to its ability to drain blood from the legs to the area which remains flat during this posture, might be able to maintain the thyroid gland health, and it may further have some effects to normalise the functions of the gland and reduce the occurrence of hypothyroidism.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hypothyroidism refers to abnormally low activity of the thyroid gland, resulting in several other health problems. Hypothyroidism is also one of the causative factors producing obesity. Viparita karani can help to relieve hypothyroidism by maintaining health of thyroid gland 3<\/a>,4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Other Benefits of Viparita Karani<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"viparita$
_{Image Source: freepik.com<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe other benefits of viparita karani asana might be as follows:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
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It may help in hernia (a condition in which an internal organ pushes out through the muscle wall surrounding it) and dyspepsia (indigestion).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It might also have some effect on blood circulation to the head, which in turn might help to manage the optimum functioning of the brain and all the sense organs 3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Yoga practice may help develop the mind and body; however, it is still not an alternative to modern medicine. <\/strong>You must not rely on yoga alone to treat any condition. Please consult a qualified doctor who will be able to assess your condition correctly and advise accordingly.<\/strong> Moreover, it is necessary to practice and learn yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher to avoid any injuries.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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As far as I know, Viparita Karani is one of several restorative yoga postures that aim to help your body relax. Research has shown that yoga may generally have a good effect on your body\u2019s stress response systems. Numerous patients claim anecdotally that holding the stance is incredibly soothing. Stress reduction is linked to improved general physical and mental health, as well as a stronger immune system 8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\nDr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)<\/a><\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Also Read: Benefits of Kukkutasana (Cockerel Pose) and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Risks of Exercise<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some contraindications related to viparita karani are:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Viparita karani yoga pose may be a contradiction for people having a family history of glaucoma. Thus, such people must be careful while performing this asana and take expert advice before attempting this asana.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Patients having weak bones or suffering from musculoskeletal disorders must avoid challenging yoga forms like such inversion poses. It may cause further damage to the bones and cause complications.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
People taking psychoactive drugs (the drugs that affect brain function and cause mood changes) must not perform this yoga pose.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
This yoga asana comes under special category of yoga postures that must be practised only by experts and experienced yoga enthusiasts and professionals, with extreme care 7<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With the guidance of a qualified and experienced yoga teacher\/yoga expert, we can access and analyse the risk factors and continue to practice exercise with precautions.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also Read: Benefits of Vyaghrasana (Tiger Pose) and How to Do it\u00a0By Dr. Himani Bisht\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Conclusion<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nViparita karani yoga is an inverted pose performed on a flat surface. It is beneficial for human health as it helps to drain blood from the legs to the area that remains flat during this posture, and thus it might be able to maintain the health of several organs. One must perform this asana after regular yoga practice and under expert supervision only 4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also Read: Benefits of Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose) and How to Do it\u00a0By Dr. Himani Bisht<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat are the additional supports that can be used to help to attempt this yogasana?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>
To support viparita karani asana, you may perform it by putting something under your back (pillows, blankets or bolsters about nine inches wide and nine inches high) and further you may rest the legs against any wall.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>
Can anyone perform viparita karni yogasana?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> No, beginners should avoid performing viparita karani yogasana as it falls under the special category of yoga asana, where people need to attain a certain level of expertise before practising yogasanas that fall under this category. Thus, it may be performed by people with regular yoga practice under expert guidance. It may also pose a risk for people with weak bones, musculoskeletal issues, and those with a family history of glaucoma 7<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div>
Does viparita karani asana have any effect on the brain?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Since the viparita karani pose might have some effect on the blood circulation of the head while maintaining this posture,\u00a0 it might help to manage the optimum functioning of the brain and all the sense organs 3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div>
Viparita karani is a subsequent stage of which asana?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Viparita karani asana is the subsequent stage of uttanapadasana (raising the legs). It may also be considered a preparatory pose for sarvangasana 1<\/a>,3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div>
What are the other common names of viparita karani asana?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Viparita karani asana may be commonly called the \u201clegs up the wall pose\u201d or the \u201cRestful Inversion\u201d 2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>References<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
Half yearly Journal of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, 2022. Yoga\u00a0Vijnana\u00a0\u2013 The Science and Art of Yoga. 1(2), pp.1-59.\u00a0[Internet]\u00a0[cited\u00a006\u00a0Oct\u00a02022].\u00a0Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/372472969_WHO-CONSUMER_INFORMATION_ON_PROPER_USE_OF_YOGA<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Christian L, Preston H,\u00a0Houts\u00a0CR, Malarkey WB, Emery CF, Glaser R. Stress, inflammation, and yoga practice. Psychosomatic medicine. 2010 Feb;72(2):113.\u00a0[Internet] [cited\u00a006\u00a0Oct\u00a02022]\u00a0Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2820143\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Joshi S,\u00a0Deole\u00a0YS, Vyas GH, Dash SC. Management of overweight and obesity through specific yogic procedures. AYU (Int QJ Res Ayurveda). 2009 Oct 1;30(4):425.\u00a0[Internet]\u00a0[cited\u00a006\u00a0Oct\u00a02022]\u00a0Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Yogesh-Deole\/publication\/265026464_Management_of_Overweight_and_Obesity_through_specific_Yogic_procedures\/links\/54f8124b0cf210398e940ed7\/Management-of-Overweight-and-Obesity-through-specific-Yogic-procedures.pdf<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sander E. Menopause the yoga way. Yoga J. 1996;126:68. Internet [cited on\u00a006\u00a0\u00a0Oct\u00a02022]. Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38709129\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Mishra SP, Singh RH. Effect of certain yogic asanas on the pelvic congestion and it\u2019s anatomy. Ancient Science of Life. 1984 Oct;4(2):127.\u00a0Internet [cited on\u00a006\u00a0\u00a0Oct\u00a02022] Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3331493\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Bhavanani\u00a0YD. Hypertension and its yogic management. In\u00a0Proceedings of the National Workshop cum seminar on Role of Yoga in Prevention and Management of Hypertension. Puducherry (India): Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (ACYTER) and Department of Physiology, JIPMER 2010; 43-50.\u00a0Internet [cited on\u00a006\u00a0\u00a0Oct\u00a02022] Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net\/54240016\/HYPERTENSION_AND_ITS_YOGIC_MANAGEMENT20170824-2722-udpi3v-with-cover-page-v2.pdf<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cramer H,\u00a0Krucoff\u00a0C,\u00a0Dobos\u00a0G. Adverse events associated with yoga: a systematic review of published case reports and case series.\u00a0PloS\u00a0one. 2013 Oct 16;8(10):\u00a0e75515.\u00a0Internet [cited on\u00a006\u00a0Oct\u00a02022] Available from:\u00a0 https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0075515<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. The Yoga Pose You Need: The Health Benefits of Legs Up the Wall [Internet]. 2021 Aug 6 [cited 2026 Feb 16]. Available from: https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/benefits-of-legs-up-the-wall<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Disclaimer:<\/strong>\u00a0The information provided here is for educational\/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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