Health Benefits of Legs Up the Wall Pose

If you’re looking for a simple yet highly beneficial yoga pose, look no further than “Legs Up the Wall” or Viparita Karani. This pose mainly involves lying on your back with your legs extended upwards against a wall.

While it may appear effortless, this pose offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, in general, that can improve your overall well-being.

How to Do “Legs Up the Wall” Yoga Pose

Before we dive into the many benefits of this pose, let’s first discuss how to do it properly. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Find an open wall space and sit with your right hip and shoulder touching the wall.
2. Slowly lower your body to the floor and swing your legs up along the wall.
3. Flex your feet and scoot yourself as close to the wall as possible, keeping your legs straight.
4. Rest your arms at your sides, keeping your palms facing up.
5. Close your eyes and relax into the pose, focusing on your breath.

Hold the pose for 5-15 minutes or as long as comfortable.

Tips for Executing the Pose Safely

While this pose is generally safe for most people, However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Avoid this pose if you are menstruating or pregnant.
• Those with neck or back injuries should use caution and consult with a doctor or yoga instructor before attempting the pose.
• If you experience any discomfort or pain during the pose, slowly come out of it and rest for a few minutes.

Physical Health Benefits of “Legs Up the Wall” Yoga Pose

The physical benefits of this pose include:

• Relief from tired or swollen legs and feet: Putting your legs up on the wall promotes circulation and helps reduce swelling in the legs and feet.
• Improved digestion: Lying in this pose can help stimulate digestion and ease constipation.
• Alleviation of lower back pain: This pose gently stretches the lower back muscles, providing relief from back pain.
• Reduction of headaches and migraines: Legs Up the Wall pose can help ease tension headaches and migraines.
• Lowering of blood pressure: Some theories suggest that the Legs Up the Wall pose can help lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation.

Mental Health Benefits of “Legs Up the Wall” Yoga Pose

The mental benefits of putting your legs up on the wall every day include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Legs Up the Wall promotes relaxation and relieves stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
• Improved sleep: Some experts say that the Legs Up the Wall pose can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.
• Relief from mild depression: This pose promotes relaxation and can help ease symptoms of mild depression.
• Increased focus and concentration: Practicing this pose can help increase concentration and mental clarity.

Interesting Facts About “Legs Up the Wall” Yoga Pose

• Viparita Karani is a Sanskrit term that means “inverted action.”
• This pose is often used in restorative yoga classes.
• In traditional Chinese medicine, this pose is believed to help regulate the flow of qi, or life force energy, throughout the body.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health and mental well-being or simply relax after a long day, the “Legs Up the Wall” yoga pose offers numerous benefits that make it worth incorporating into your daily routine.

By following these simple steps and taking the proper precautions, you can safely and effectively reap the rewards of this powerful pose.

Further reading: The Health Benefits of Elevating Your Legs