Viparithikarana Mudra (Inverted Pose)

Yogasasthra describes several ‘Mudras’, ‘Bandhanas’ and ‘Kriyas,’ in addition to asanas. Three Mudras I have described elsewhere. All of them affects different body parts differently and give positive results. Viparithikarana Mudra (Inverted Pose) is in fact regarded as a Mudra, not as a true asana.

                           Viparithikarana Mudra (Inverted Pose)

Stretch on the mattress with body straight. Place the legs stretched and hands close to the body. Take in breath, lift the legs and bring them at 90 degrees to the body. (For those who cannot lift legs on their own, can do with the help of hands)

Release breath and lift the hip and the body from the surface by giving support with each hand on either buttock. Now only the head and shoulder are touching the ground and the body hip are at 45 degrees angle with it. At this stage extend and hold the legs straight. (See picture). Let the breathing take place as usual. Remain in this pose at least 3 minutes. Then draw the legs backward, slowly straighten and place on the mattress. You may do it two times (6 minutes) a day.

A few days practice will make anybody do the asana properly.

Benefits:-Inverted pose is a very lauded one in Yogasasthra. Swami Swatmarama has said that doing this mudra for 3 hours a day makes an old man youth. However, we cannot go that much.

The heart and lungs are the two vital organs benefitted by this asana. These organs get ample blood supply and get strengthened. It is said that this asana can cure Bronchitis also.