Bats and possums are two mammals that never get arthritis because they hang upside
for the majority of their lives! For humans, inverted poses bring new vigor
to the mind and body. They are surprisingly accessible and their anti-gravitational
effects are 
beneficial to all body systems: a regular practice soothes digestion,
reduces anxiety and 
insomnia, helps prevent and recover from colds and improves
circulation and oxygenation of the brain, heart, and lungs. The practice of
inversions dramatically alters hormone levels which help to reduce brain agitation,
blood pressure, and fluid retention. These benefits occur because the heart
rate slows and the blood vessels in the upper body dilate due to the reversed
effects of gravity. Coronary arteries are flushed with the inverse flow of
blood, thus heart attacks are prevented. Heart function is enhanced when we
change the relationship of the legs to gravity. The pumping capacity of the
heart gets stimulated without a rise in pulse rate or blood pressure, (ie.,
an increase in blood flow -- oxygen to the brain -- without an increase in
pressure or velocity.) The aorta and major blood vessels become more elastic
and toned. Rather than continually accumulating in the lower extremities, fluids
return to the upper body -- inversions relieve blood and fluid congestion,
thereby preventing or soothing varicose veins.
Inversions help to prevent strokes and even senitlity because the reverse in gravity helps to circulate body fluids (blood, lymph) to the neurons. A regular practice of these asana regulates cardiovascular and neural fitness. When the nerves which innervate the muscles relax, the muscles feel lighter and function more efficiently. For example, in inversions the nerves get relief from upright posture, helping the digestion, absorption, and elimination processes. Headstand can give rest to the nerves by relaxing the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system. Since the cerebral nerves are rested, the centers of the brain that control the heart become soothed and revitalized. When the heart is rested, which may rarely happen in daily life, it becomes more toned and energized. The neuro-hormonal mechanisms are well maintained because the better circulation and oxygenation both rests and energizes the glands throughout the body (particularly adrenal, hypothalamus, pituitary, and pineal). Inverted poses have been a cure for migraines because they control the shrinkage and dilation of the blood vessels.
When the abdominal organs exert pressure on the diaphragm, the muscles of the diaphragm are excercised; when the diaphram exerts pressure on the lungs, pulmonary circulation increases. Because mucous membranes get a continual fresh blood supply, there is less likelihood for infections. They help open up the sinus passages, free drainage to the nose, and prevent sinus disorders and a variety of respiratory allergies, including clinical disorders like asthama, bronschitis, and sinusitis.
Imagine your brain, lungs, abdominal organs going to a spa and getting an amazing massage; that's inversions!
This workshop encourages students incorporate ease within a well-aligned inversion. Cara will lead students through an in-depth exploration of how to practice handstand, headstand, and shoulderstand--including several variations for both advanced beginner and intermdiate advanced students. She will focus on the foundations of the inversion: the actions of the arms, shoulders, and spine; and, how to use core strength, not as force, but as balance, to take risks and have fun upside down.
"The practice of [inverted] asanas purges the body of its impurities, bringing strength, firmness, calm, and clarity of mind." BKS Iyengar