Re: [CYE] On the subject of Shoulder Stand

[Lisa Papez]

This is a really good point, Abby! Listening to your body is definitely the most important thing we can do for ourselves.

Now for me personally, as a teacher in training, I wouldn't mind a bit of discussion around Shoulder Stand as this post brought up some thoughts for me.

 

Several of my resources and studies have pointed to modifications for shoulderstand for larger yogis/yoginis and I personally regularly practice a modified version of Shoulder Stand with wall support and do occasionally bring my feet away from the wall in what is closer to the full pose. I do not have high blood pressure and am aware of that and and other contraindications for this posture.

 

I am a large girl, but do not feel any discomfort or strain on my neck when I practice this posture. Mind you, I practice with a great deal of mindfulness and attention to how my body feels. I am also smaller chested than many women of my size so have less pressure from that part of my body, which I know is a challenge for some.

 

I would say that for a person of size this pose would be most likely considered advanced practice and should not be attempted without first becoming adept at modified and supported versions and not unless under the supervision of a teacher who understands the unique needs of a curvy student.

 

I'm curious to hear from others in the Curvy Yoga community who do or don't practice Shoulder Stand and what your thoughts on this posture are?

 

Namaste!

Lisa

 

--

Lisa Papez

Founder and Teacher in Training

Curvaceous Woman Yoga

Body Positive Yoga for Women with Curves

www.curvaceouswomanyoga.ca

Vancouver, BC

 

 

On Mon, May 2, 2011 at 11:11 AM, Abby Lentz <ab...@heartfeltyoga.com> wrote:

Still haven't figured out how to post, but I want to add to this discussion that it's very dangerous for overweight/obese people to do Shoulder Stands. All that extra weight coming down on your neck can really cause injured long before any "benefit" could be had by your thyroid.

If you want the benefits of a Shoulder Stand -- inversion and balance being the main 2 -- combine a safe inversion and a balance pose. Legs-Up-the -Wall (Chair) or Bridge Pose if you want a little more work in your yoga, both will be safe. (No uncontrolled high blood pressure in any inversions however.) Add to that any balance pose and you'll have the main benefits of Shoulder Stand without the risks.

You are not being overly sensitive, you are being wise and mindful of your own body. Don't ever let anyone talk you into doing something that just feels wrong.... no matter what their "logic" may be. Learning to listen to your body is a main reason to be doing yoga that translates off the mat as well as on.

It's easy to get caught up in the doing of a pose vs. the reason for the pose. Look for the why and you'll find a better way to have the purpose expressed in a safer way. It's your body, your health, keep safe.

Hugs,

Abby

HeavyWeight Yoga

  Today's Topic Summary

Group: http://groups.google.com/group/curvy-yogis-everywhere/topics

• some things never change [2 Updates]

 Topic: some things never change

Sybil gallor <sybiliz...@gmail.com> May 02 09:33PM +1000 ^
 
Today, in a 7 hour yoga workshop....the size 2 instructor informed us that
doing shoulder stand will help us lose weight. Yes, I know shoulder stand

stimulates the thyroid gland - which does play a more...

Connie jayden <conni...@yahoo.com> May 02 08:57AM -0700 ^
 
thanks for info...i will look into it myself and see what i find....Connie
 
 
 
________________________________
From: Sybil gallor <sybiliz...@gmail.com> more...

[Annie Carlin]

I like to do modified or half shoulder stand with students (place a block under the sacrum, lift legs - sort of a combo of legs up the wall and shoulderstand).  This is good for folks who can't get up into the pose without throwing themselves into it (really bad idea) or who aren't able to practice the pose for a number of other reasons.  Though a curvy yogi myself, I actually don't do shoulderstand much at all because my c-7 vertebra sticks out and I'd need about five blankets and the careful watch of a teacher to do it safely without injuring my neck.  I forget if I heard this in teacher training or not, but ya don't mess with the neck! :)

 

Annie Carlin

[SJF]

For what it is worth:

I do shoulder stand using a chair and it works great for me. I do not
have the ability to lift myself into plow pose, so I skip that
altogether.