WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVERTED

There are probably more people wondering what the actual benefits of an inversion practice are than those who are ready to jump upside-down. The truth is, there are actually many benefits to getting inverted, and there are many levels in which that can be accomplished. However, an inversion practice is never necessary to a yoga practioner’s journey. It’s important to remember we all come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences that are going to influence our practice. I, personally, have found that inversions have been something of passion for my practice, and something I’m excited to share with my current, and future students. Understanding the benefits can be just the beginning of a new knowledge for seeing the world from a different perspective.

Let’s first talk about what an inversion actually is. An inversion is anything that gets your head lower than your heart, allowing the blood to flow in the opposite direction. (Caley Alyssa, Yoga Journal) There are many types of inversions: arm balances, handstands, headstands, forearm balances, dolphin, backbends, shoulder-stand, and legs up the wall (using props to make sure the heart is lifted). Some of these require strength, balance, and many years of practice; some of them require little or no effort. Inversions can be for anyone, at any level, who is interested in its addition and benefits to his/her practice.

1. Inversions have actual health benefits for your body. These benefits include increasing circulation in your brain, preventing lymphatic fluid from building up in your legs, improving the functioning of the thyroid, and can help with sinus, bronchial infection, asthma, and congestion. Inversions can also help with the prevention of varicose veins. All of these benefits can be achieved from any inversion in the yoga practice.

2. Inversions can help with muscle development and upper-body strength. This obviously depends on which type of inversion you are working on. These inversions would include arm balances, dolphin, handstands, forearm balances, and some backbends. Inversions requires an immense amount of upper-body strength. It’s important to begin working on them with a teacher who also practices them in his/her own yoga practice, and who is knowledgeable about the alignment of the specific inversion, and is aware of the possible injuries if practiced incorrectly. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor questions about going upside-down, and the amount of training that he/she has had. You need to feel as comfortable as you can. I have worked with many students who have a fear of going upside-down. I believe that fear is valid! It shouldn’t be something that is taken lightly. This is why you should be cautious when working any inversion, so as to avoid injury. When practiced correctly, you will see results within weeks. 

3. Inversions can improve your mental state. Going upside-down has been shown to decrease anxiety, insomnia, nervous disorders, and stress. It is also found to increase energy levels. I can personally attest to not only decreased anxiety and stress, but also higher energy levels and a greater sense of confidence. It’s amazing how looking at the world from a different perspective, both literally and figuratively, can have so many affects in how our minds function. 

I have found that my inversion practice allows me to really be in the moment. Because, literally, for those few moments that I’m balancing on my hands, all I’m thinking about is that exact moment. The three benefits above really just touch the surface of all of the rewarding results of an inversion practice. 

Ready to jump in or continue your inverted journey? Here are a few things to remember:

• Find a qualified teacher, whom you trust, to assist you in your journey. If something feels off, do your own research to see if the information being given to you is valid. 
• Inversions come in all shapes, sizes, and levels. Whether you want to build muscle and endurance, or relax and reset, there is an inversion for you.
• Remember that we all come from different backgrounds. I came from years of dance, and took gymnastics as a kid. This really helped me in achieving my goals. I also worked diligently and almost daily in order to get to my goals quickly. Don’t be discouraged if things aren’t coming as quickly as you’d like. Allow your body to guide you into the pose, and listen to it when it tells you to back off. The quickest way to an injury is by not listening to your body. 

See you on the flip-side!

- Leanna Joan