Exploring Inversion Yoga Asanas: Benefits and Various Types of Poses

Yoga has become popular worldwide, not only as a form of exercise but also as a holistic approach to well-being. Among the many yoga asanas, inversion poses are some of the most beneficial and challenging.

Inversion yoga asanas, which position the heart above the head, enhance both physical strength and mental clarity. This article explores the numerous benefits of yoga and examines the various types of inversion poses that are not well known. Additionally, we will discuss how to integrate insurance policies that cover yoga, allowing you to maximise health benefits from these exercises.

What are Inversion Yoga Poses?

Inversion yoga asanas are poses where the heart is positioned above the head. These poses require a significant amount of physical strength and mental discipline. They help improve balance, coordination, and concentration, making them an essential part of any advanced yoga practice.

Benefits of Inversion Yoga Asanas

Inversion yoga asanas offer both physical and mental health benefits. Some of these are -​​

• Physical Health Benefits
  • Improved Blood Flow and Cardiovascular Health – Inversion yoga asanas like the headstand and shoulder stand improve blood circulation, which benefits your cardiovascular health.
  • Increased Strength and Flexibility – These yoga asanas develop strength and flexibility in the centre of the body, especially in the back and shoulders.
  • Relief from Back Pain – Inversion poses reduces pressure on spinal discs, hence helping in relieving chronic back pain as well as promoting overall spinal health.
  • Better Immune System – Inversion yoga asanas promote lymphatic drainage, boost immunity, and remove waste products from tissues.
    
• Mental Health Benefits
  • Reduced Anxiety and Stress Levels – Practising inverted poses leads to mental relaxation by increasing brain blood supply.
  • Enhanced Concentration and Clear Thinking – These positions help people focus more clearly, thereby improving their mental functions.
  • Improved Mood – Regularly performing inversion yoga asanas can make you feel better and significantly uplift your overall sense of well-being.

Popular Types of Inversion Yoga Poses

Some of the most popular inversion yoga asanas include –

Headstand (Sirsasana)

The headstand is often referred to as the “king of all yoga poses.” It involves balancing on the head with the support of the arms. This posture helps to improve blood circulation in the brain, enhancing cognitive functions and concentration.

To do a headstand, place your elbows on the floor, interlock your fingers and put your head between them. Then, lift your legs off the ground and keep equilibrium using muscles in the stomach.

Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

This is another intense inversion pose known as shoulder stand. It boosts thyroid health while aiding digestion.

To perform a shoulder stand, start by lying flat on your back. Gradually raise your legs and upper body while supporting your lower back with your hands, keeping your elbows on the ground.

Forearm Stand (Pincha Mayurasana)

The forearm stand is an advanced inversion that strengthens shoulders and core muscles. The pose involves balancing on the forearms with legs suspended in the air. This position emphasises shoulder strength and core muscle activation.

One can execute a forearm stand by placing the forearms on the mat and then lifting both feet off the ground, maintaining balance through the contraction of the abdominal muscles.

Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)

A handstand requires a lot of strength and coordination, engaging every part of your body, including your toes. In a handstand, you support your weight with your hands while keeping your legs airborne. This pose promotes overall physical strength and stability. 

Simply place both hands on the ground, kick both legs upward, and balance using your core and shoulder muscles.

Health Insurance with Yoga Cover: A Smart Alliance

Did you know you can now purchase health insurance with yoga treatment coverage? Opting for a plan that includes yoga allows you to get treatments at Yoga and Naturopathy hospitals, which are similar to allopathy hospitals.

With a comprehensive health protection plan, you can cover the cost of both emergency treatments and preventive steps, such as yoga. This way, you are protecting yourself against high medical bills and investing in your overall health to avoid these expenses altogether.

About AYUSH Health Insurance 

AYUSH health insurance is one such health insurance coverage that extends beyond conventional medicine. It embraces traditional practices like Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This type of insurance supports a holistic approach to health care, combining the best of modern and traditional treatments. When choosing an AYUSH health insurance plan, consider how extensively it covers alternative therapies to ensure it aligns with your health aspirations.

Key Takeaways

Inversion yoga poses offer a range of benefits, from increased physical strength and flexibility to enhanced mental clarity and reduced stress-induced anxiety. Incorporating these poses into your regular yoga practice can result in significant health improvements.

Additionally, considering health insurance options that cover yoga and holistic treatments can help you maximise these yoga benefits. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, inversion yoga asanas can provide a path to better health and well-being.

Additionally, you can also consider platforms like PhonePe for a seamless and hassle-free insurance purchase experience.