Vipareeta karani ( inverted pose)

The name comes from the Sanskrit,“Vipareeta” meaning “inverted”, “Karni” meaning “Doing”,and “Asana”, meaning “Posture”.It is also called as ‘Legs up the wall pose’.

Table of Contents of Vipareeta karni

  • Steps with breathing
  • Adjustments
  • Benefits
  • Contra Indications
  • Variations

Vipareeta karni Steps with breathing

1. Begin with supine position, lie flat on the back with legs and feet together in a straight line. Place the hands and arms close to the body with the palms facing down.

2. With inhalation, raise both the legs vertically, keeping them straight and together.

3. Firm the palms down, raise the buttocks off the floor, taking the legs further over the head, turn the palms up, bend the elbows and let the top of the hips rest on the base of the palms. In the final position, the weight of the body rests on the shoulder, neck and elbows, the trunk is at a 45 degree angle to the floor and the legs are vertical. Maintain the final pose from 30 seconds to a minute.

4. To come out of the asana, with exhalation, lower the legs over the head, then place the arms closer to the body, slowly lower the spine ,(vertebra by vertebra along the floor) and when buttocks reach the floor, lower the legs and relax in shavasana.

Adjustments

1. Raise the legs to 90degree by pressing palms down on the ground and use hands to support your hips.

2. Keep your head and neck in a neutral position.

3. Let your sternum lift towards the chin.

Variations

1. Vipreet karni can be done using the wall support.

2. Legs can be spread in wide ‘V’ position when they are against the wall.

Benefits

1. It balances the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems.

2. It also tranquilizes the mind, relieves mental and emotional stress, and helps clear psychological disturbances.

3. It boosts the immune system.

4. Massages the abdominal organs.

Contraindications

1. This asana should not be practiced by the people suffering from enlarged liver and spleen.

2. Slipped disc.

3. High blood pressure, other heart ailments.

4. Weak blood vessels in the eyes.