Vinyala

Pose sheet

Supported Shoulderstand

Sālamba Sarvāṅgāsanaसालम्ब सर्वाङ्गासन

Support your back with your hands; keep your legs vertical above your shoulders.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Shoulders, upper arms, and elbows; back of head touches floor.

Enter

  1. Lie on your back, arms beside your body, palms facing down.
  2. Exhale and draw your knees toward your chest.
  3. Lift your pelvis; bend your elbows and support your back.
  4. Place elbows shoulder-width apart and lift your chest.
  5. Straighten both legs together; align hips and ankles over your shoulders.

Hold

  1. Press shoulders and upper arms into your support.
  2. Lift your breastbone toward your chin without pushing your head.
  3. Keep your legs together and vertical.
  4. Keep your head centered and still.

Exit

  1. Exhale and bend your knees toward your chest.
  2. Lower your back slowly, keeping your head on the floor.
  3. Lower your legs and rest on your back.
Breathing
Breathe evenly while holding the pose.
Gaze
Gaze softly at your chest; alternatively, close your eyes.
Duration
Beginner technique: 5 minutes.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Firm blanketsElevate shoulders and upper arms; head rests on floor.
  • WallBend your knees and place your feet against the wall.
  • StrapLoop around upper arms, above elbows, keeping them shoulder-width apart.

Variations

  • Nirālamba Sarvāṅgāsana I: arms overhead on floor; back unsupported.
  • Eka Pāda Sarvāṅgāsana: one leg vertical; opposite foot grounded overhead.
  • Padma Sarvāṅgāsana: legs folded into Lotus.

Signals of effort

  • Inverted, with weight on shoulders and upper arms.
  • Sustained cervical flexion.
  • Legs raised without support under the feet.