Benefits
This is primarily an advanced strength and balance pose, and also stretches the anterior torso. In order to come into this posture, the gaze will need to be shifted from between the thumbs, through the arms, drawing the chin to the chest, taking the gaze up. This will allow for a greater opening of the chest and also extension of the spine. This opening of the chest will create a counter balance of weight for the lower portion of the body, as you move deeper into the posture. This posture can be challenging, as it requires a high level of proprioception. Inversions reverse the blood flow in the body and help improve circulation, increasing immunity and preventing illness by stimulating the thymus glad. This posture gives us a chance to develop our proprioception and our balance, giving us a greater sense of confidence in our inversion practices. Due to the unique shape of the hollow back, it brings many physical benefits including opening up the shoulders and chest, and encouraging length in the iliopsoas and abdominals. This posture also strengthens and encourages mobility in the wrists, and improves dexterity in the fingers.
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