Shoulder Stand

You Should Feel

Weight in your shoulders and upper arms, not your neck. Lift through your legs. Calm, cooling sensation.

How to Get Into the Pose

• 1Lie on your back, lift your legs overhead
• 2Place your hands on your back for support, elbows shoulder-width apart
• 3Lift your hips and legs toward the ceiling
• 4Keep the back of your neck long—no weight on your neck
• 5Legs active, feet flexed or pointed
• 6Gaze toward your chest

Modifications

• •If neck is sensitive: Place a folded blanket under your shoulders (not under your head) to protect your neck
• •If this pose doesn't feel safe: Practice legs-up-the-wall instead
• •If balance is challenging: Practice with your hips resting against a wall
• •To deepen: Remove hand support, reach arms overhead on the ground