Yoga Pose of the Week: Legs Up the Wall

Legs Up the Wall, or Viparita Karani as it is called in Sanskrit (the language yoga is often taught in) is a wonderful relaxing and restorative yoga pose – and it’s as simple as it sounds!

This is a great pose to do when you’ve been on your feet a lot or even if your legs are just feeling tired and heavy. It will refresh your legs and feet by getting the lymph and other fluids that cause swelling to flow in the opposite direction, increasing blood circulation and it will gently stretch the backs of your legs. After a run or workout is an especially good time to do this pose since it will help to drain the lactic acid from your legs and decrease soreness.

To get into position begin sitting on the floor with one side of your body up against the wall. Slowly roll down to the floor so that your bottom is scooted up against the base of the wall and your legs are extended up the wall. You may want to have a pillow for under your head for comfort. I’ll typically set a timer and stay here for 10 minutes.

When coming down from the pose, roll over to one side and take a moment or two on your side before you sit up so that you don’t get lightheaded after being inverted for so long!

This pose is also very calming and is a great time for a few minutes of quiet reflection or meditation – and for all you migraine and headache sufferers, it’s been known to help alleviate headaches!

Legs Up the Wall is a simple pose that anyone can do anywhere, but the benefits are amazing and well worth the few minutes of your time!

Blog post by Danielle Nardi.