Just put your legs up and see the magic

Having a bad day? Here's a supercool Yoga pose that helps you unwind - Viparita Karani

Viparita Karani is often called Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose, but viparita actually means “inverted,” and karani means “in action.” We can interpret that to mean that the pose inverts the typical actions that happen in our bodies when we sit and stand. There are many benefits to inverting the actions in your body. Here are a few.

When you put your legs up the wall with your pelvis elevated on a folded blanket, lymph and other fluids that can lead to swollen ankles, tired knees, and congested pelvic organs flow into the lower belly; this refreshes the legs and the reproductive area. This is healthy at any point in your reproductive life cycle.

This pose also gives blood circulation a gentle boost toward the upper body and head, which creates a pleasant rebalancing after you have been standing or sitting for a long time. If you are stressed, fatigued, or jet-lagged, this pose is especially refreshing.

But its true greatness is that it teaches us experientially that positive results can come from doing less, not more. Viparita Karani offers a paradigm shift in how to approach the notion of “work,” in both yoga and life.

When you relax with your legs up the wall, you are practicing the polar opposite of activity, which is receptivity. It also

• Alleviates headaches
• Boosts energy
• Soothes menstrual cramps
• Relieves lower-back pain

Although this is a super simple regimen to unwind, do consult an expert if you have specific health conditions before practicing.