The image above is from a study published in 2017 from The Journal of Applied Physiology. What you are seeing is a type of CT imaging that compares blood flow (the red) distributed in the lungs when the participant was standing upright versus upside down. In yoga, we call upside down poses INVERSIONS- think handstand, etc. where the head is below the heart. As you can see in the above image, when the body is positioned head-down, blood profusion is more diffuse throughout instead of localized to just the bases of the lungs. Remember, the blood in the lungs is crucial for respiration because it is where we absorb oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.
With all this in mind, I am offering an intermediate level Shoulderstand Workshop on Saturday, January 31 from 11am-12:30. Shoulderstand is classified as both an inversion and a forward bend in yoga postures. We will go more into detail of the benefits of inversions not only on the lungs, but also the diaphragm muscle, a dome-shaped skeletal muscle beneath the lungs that contracts and flattens to draw air in. Poor posture and prolonged sitting can weaken diaphragmatic movement, leading to shallow breathing. Because the diaphragm is a skeletal muscle (just like your biceps!), it can be strengthened through use; breathing against gravity—such as in inverted yoga poses—requires greater diaphragmatic effort, similar to resistance training, which can improve breathing efficiency when upright.
I have structured this class with preparatory poses that make Shoulderstand more accessible so that you can linger in it longer once you get there. I know many of you already love Shoulderstand and I would love for you to join me!
The cost of this workshop is $25 by cash, check or Venmo (payment due upon sign-up please).
Email Donii at
cml0em10eW9nYSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t to sign up. You can also message through Facebook messenger.
Also check out other Workshops in Livonia, Health & Wellness events in Livonia.
