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Rx: Legs-up-the-wall Pose- Viparita Karani

There is something wonderful to discover in every pose. But sometimes, when you are too tired, you don't feel like bending forward or back! This simple pose- Viprarita Karani can be done your bed, against any wall at home or office or against a tree in a park.

"Viparita" means "inverted" and "Karani" means "in action".

HOW TO: The wall supports the legs, the folded blanket supports the lower back and hips. Fold the blanket and place it 12 inches from the wall. Sit side saddle on the blanket so that your right side is near the wall. Place the left elbow on the floor and swing your legs up the wall. The rest of your body will naturally go down so that you are lying on the floor. Adjust the position of the blanket so that it is under your low back (not under the sitting bone). Your hamstrings should feel comfortable, not stretched. Rest the heels against the wall with inner edges of your feet touching each other. Keep your abdomen soft. Broaden your collar bones and release the shoulders away from the ears. Soften the throat. Place your arms by your side with palms facing up. Close your eyes and experience the serenity of the posture. Stay in the pose for 3-4 minutes.

BENEFITS: Alleviates exhaustion and stress related headache and migraine. Boosts confidence and energy. Reduces depression. Prevents varicose veins. Relieves indigestion.

CAUTION: Do not practice during menstruation, although at some times this pose soothes menstrual cramps. Make sure that you rest your neck and shoulders firmly on the floor.

Go ahead and try this and feel the effects of your practice. Back in the college days, whenever I complained, my Dad would encourage me to keep up the good work and say "Oh, don't worry so much. Go put your legs up the wall"!!!