If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)
By Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
Importance of doing Supported Shoulder Stand - The Queen of Yoga
Revitalisation of the Whole Body
During my competitive years, when I was training very hard, one such exercise that fascinated me as it gave me boundless energy was none other than the Supported Shoulder Stand. I have written in the April issue about the three important stands in Yoga, namely, Halasana (Plough Stand), Sirshashana Salamba (Head Stand - King of Yoga) and Shoulder Stand. These three exercises were told by Dr Sivananda, a doctor by profession to prevent all forms of sickness and diseases. One would feel energetic throughout the day. It is good to do minimum 1minutes to maximum 5minutes per day. Asana in Sanskrit means posture.
Most of the time, human beings are standing and sitting throughout the day before they retire themselves going to bed. When we inverse ourselves for some time, the blood goes to the extremities and this revitalises the body as a whole. It is important to know the benefits that accrue from the doing Shoulder Stand by doing the exercises on a regular basis. essential means standing on the shoulder Particularly, it is good to do this posture in the morning. When I was doing this in my competitive years, all I needed was having 3 hours of sleep. I did not feel tired throughout the day. Hence, it is important for the young and old to do.
The site below gives an example of the Shoulder Stand. It is, however, easier to do the Supported Shoulder Stand. It will be illustrated step by step in the article. However, it is always motivational to find out the benefits of Shoulder Stand before we do the pose. This will give us the added boost to do the pose as it did to me.
The site below is showing Shoulder Stand posture.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000963984969#%21/photo.php?pid=3997802&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=100000963984969&id=529893655
Benefits of Supported Shoulder Stand
1. Strengthens your back and help alleviates lower backaches.
2. Thyroid gland gets working at peak efficiency. Thyroid gland is usually responsible for youthful looks and right weight.
3. Shoulder stand regulates the pituitary gland.
4. Stimulates nerves
5. Purifies and enriches the blood
6. Promotes good circulation
7. Gives healthy stretch to all muscles of the neck
8. It is for people suffering from constipation and indigestion, asthma and low virility.
Continued Practice of Shoulder Stand
Continued practice of this asana helps relieve common colds and other nasal disturbances. Those suffering from irritation, shortness of temper, nervous breakdown and insomnia will find relieve in this exercise. The inverse pose of the body also affects the abdominal organs so that the bowels move freely. The asana is recommended for urinary disorders and uterine displacement and hernia. It also aids a person in improving vitality. When a person does not do much Yoga poses, the body benefits less. As such, more stress and time should be given to Shoulder Stand as the pose is considered to be the Queen of Yoga.
Before doing
It is best to learn this exercise from a person who is experienced and is a teacher of Yoga. It would be advisable to see a physician if there one has a problem and one who has reached 40 years and above.
People suffering from high blood pressure, detached retina, glaucoma, hernias, cardiovascular disease, cervical spondylitis, slipped discs should not practice shoulder stand. Those suffering from neck injuries should seek advice from an experienced yoga teacher before beginning to practice shoulder stand. It is advisable for women during menstruation to avoid inversions.
The Time To Do
When done in the morning, it eases fatigue caused by too much or little sleep. One hour before, it is good to consume a light breakfast first. One can do this pose with the stomach empty. When done in the evening, it helps promote deep and restful sleep. Food should at least be consumed at least two hours before.
Instructions
Place a long towel on the floor or use a cushion, namely, a yoga mat.
Lie down in Savasana (Corpse Pose).
Bring the heel to the buttocks by bending the knees.
Bring the body up and support the body by using the shoulders, back of the neck and back of the head, Stay in half Shoulder Stand (adjust the elbows to be parallel to each other and bring the elbow inwards. At this juncture, raise the leg up. For the beginner, this pose will not be straight and the hips will be bent slightly. It is alright if this happens. For experienced people, the legs will the straight. Knees should be touching together. Left heel should ideally touch the right heel. The right big toe should touch the left big toe.
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes to do marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners to do sub-4 hours for marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
