Tiana Harilela
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The Benefit of Inversions in Yoga
22.Feb
As we spend so much time on our feet, in yoga, there are a set of postures known as ‘inversions’ that challenge and require us to be upside down. Often I am asked what the purpose of doing this is. Most yogis will agree that inversions are very powerful when they are practiced correctly.
According to an article in Yoga Journal by Yoko Yoshikawa: “According to Payne, the ancient yogis called gravity ‘the silent enemy’. The yogi performs a martial-arts sleight-of-hand: Upend oneself and enlist gravity's power to arrest the ravages of that self-same force.”
The reason we are so sensitive to gravity is because 60-70% of our bodies are made up of water. When we invert, or go upside down, congestion clears, and blood flows quickly to the heart and lymph channels. We become weightless.
As I was studying inversions I soon came to know for myself that they helped with my circulatory system. But perhaps the most beneficial feature for me was the way in which inversions helped me with my lymphatic system. After years of cultivating a steady inversion practice where the postures were held for three to five minutes, I could feel my system balancing out. I always had hyper thyroid issues and now it has come to a halt.
Even though I do not have concise evidence to prove that inversions were the key I needed to balance myself out, the conviction was in my own health. In several articles, I found that many noted that inversions allowed for the pituitary and pineal gland to become activated and therefore balance hormone levels in the body.
I also noticed that I pay more attention to detail and became more sharp. It has been documented that the increase of circulation resulting from inversions does improve blood circulation to the brain, delivering a higher amount of oxygen, that is needed for combustion.
A simple posture such as downward dog (also an inversion), can really help relieve sinus problems and asthma as well. And this I have seen while teaching my students.
On March 2, together with my husband, Shivam Vicente, I will be conducting a fun, one- hour inversion class, where you can face your fear, learn how to go upside down, in a safe and comfortable environment. The mini workshop will be at the Yoga Studio at the Spa, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, from 18:30-19:30. Call +852 2132 0011 to book.
While listing the benefits above, there are some precautions we should take when performing inversions. You should never take inversions if you have conditions such as menstruation; high blood pressure; suffer from neck problems; pregnant; heart or ear problems. As always let your yoga teacher know if you have a concern and always check with your doctor first.
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Biography
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Tiana started practicing yoga from a young age following the spiritual teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda with whom her family has been affiliated with since the 1940’s. A significant part of her development into adulthood has been influenced by his teachings. Prior to teaching yoga, Tiana worked in the corporate world for 11 years. She has worked with global companies such as the LVMH Group and The Financial Times. Her daily practice consists of Meditation, Pranayama, and Ashtanga Vinyasa. Tiana teaches Mysore, Ashtanga led classes, Hatha Yoga, Yoga for Kids, Pre- Natal Yoga and Restorative Yoga. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500) with Yoga Alliance International, as well as an authorized Ashtanga yoga teacher, a high honour in the yoga field. She is a travelling teacher, but when in Hong Kong teaches private classes to a selected few and classes at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Spa. For details on where to catch her see www.yogawithtiana.com
