Top 7 Health Benefits of Kandharasana (Shoulder Pose)

Practice of Kandharasana: Shoulder Pose

Our body is a miraculous machine, with each organ playing a crucial role in maintaining our health. However, sometimes our actions and negligence can compromise the functioning of these organs, leading to a reduced quality of life.

Kandharasana, or Shoulder Pose, serves as a natural remedy for an inefficient internal system. As a backward-bending yoga posture, Kandharasana is highly beneficial for expanding the chest, opening the breathing passages, stretching various body areas, and promoting overall healing. The benefits of Shoulder Pose are particularly significant for women.

Instructions for Performing Kandharasana

1. Starting Position: Lie on your back with your legs stretched out and arms by your side.
2. Prepare: Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground.
3. Grip: Extend your arms to grasp your ankles with your palms. Ensure the grip is firm.
4. Position: Pull your feet toward your hips, keeping within your limits.
5. Lift: Inhale, retain your breath, lift your hips higher, and arch your back upwards.
6. Support: Your feet and shoulders should rest on the mat, supporting your body weight on your shoulders, neck, head, arms, and feet.
7. Hold: Maintain this position for 20 seconds.
8. Release: Lower your hips and back to the ground, extend your legs, release your ankles, rest your arms by your side, and relax in the supine position.

Contraindications for Shoulder Pose

• Pregnancy: Avoid this pose.
• Peptic or Duodenal Ulcers: Do not practice until the condition improves.
• Knee Injuries: Consult a doctor before practicing or avoid the pose entirely.
• Abdominal Hernia: Avoid this pose.

Kandharasana Practicing Tips

• Perform Kandharasana either before or after a forward bend posture.
• It serves as a preparatory pose for Chakrasana (Wheel Pose).
• Ideally, practice 3 rounds of Shoulder Pose. You may extend this based on your body strength and limits.

7 Incredible Health Benefits of Kandharasana (कंधरासन)

Lets us discuss some popular kandharasana benefits:

1. Strengthens Shoulders: Kandharasana helps correct rounded shoulders and strengthens them by bearing the body’s weight in the pose.
2. Heals Back Problems: Arching the back upwards during the pose can alleviate intervertebral disc issues and backache, leading to long-term relief when practiced regularly.
3. Good for Female Health: The pose strengthens the uterus, potentially reducing the risk of miscarriage and relieving menstrual discomfort. Women can benefit from this pose before and during pregnancy.
4. Tones Abdomen Organs: Kandharasana tones the digestive organs, kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder, enhancing their function and contributing to well-defined abs.
5. Powers Up Lungs: This pose facilitates chest and lung expansion, improving breathing and oxygen intake, which benefits overall lung health.
6. Centers Solar Plexus: Kandharasana yoga centers the Manipura Chakra, boosting self-esteem, confidence, and willpower.
7. Improves Mental Health: In addition to its physical benefits, the Shoulder Pose supports mental and emotional well-being.

Also Read – 5 Yoga Poses for Tight Shoulders

Conclusion

Incorporating Kandharasana into your yoga practice can greatly enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve your shoulder strength, heal back problems, or support female health, this pose offers numerous benefits. To experience the full potential of yoga, consider joining a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in India or exploring other comprehensive programs such as the 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training in India or 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training in India. For those interested in deepening their practice, Rishikul Yogshala also offers an Ayurveda Retreat in India and a Yoga Retreat in India. Embrace the transformative power of yoga and live a healthier, more balanced life.