All day long we are either standing up or sitting down. Believe it or not, this puts a tremendous amount of strain on our bodies, including our spine.

As the years press on, gravity takes it's toll and definitely does not work in our favor. So how do we defy it? By inverting. With these reversed poses we defy gravity and it's effects and allow the body to naturally realign itself. You stretch out and elongate your spine, increase blood flow to the brain, reposition organs, and take stress off the heart, which usually has to pump blood uphill to the brain.

By letting gravity work in your favor you will reap the benefits. Inversion therapy benefits the bodies four major systems- Circulatory, Lymphatic, Endocrine, Nervous and Digestive and can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase circulation, ease headaches, reduce the discomforts of menstrual cramps and ease neck and back pain. According to Chiropractors and Physicians, inverting just a few minutes each day, (one way is to hanging upside down from an inversion bar) back pain sufferers easily got over the acute phase of pain far quicker than with other forms of therapy, making for a wonderful alternative to drugs and surgery.

Yogis have practiced the healing and therapeutic benefits of inversion for years. Sirsasana and Sarvangsana (Headstands and Shoulder stands) are frequently practiced in Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga classes across the country. Using meditation and breathing techniques, these forms of inversions are meant to increase self-awareness and balance both body and mind. Most describe their upside down experience as a complete mental release- even a total transformation or rebirth.

But before you go bottoms up you should know that Inversion Therapy may not benefit everyone and should be carefully practiced, especially if you are a beginner.

Inversions are not recommended for people with extreme weight problems, those who have a history of stroke, acute back injuries, or high blood pressure. Always consult with your doctor.

Below are two rather simple inversions used in Yoga, the Halasana or Plow Pose and the Downward Dog. A beginner can quickly learn to invert with this poses. You should give your body a good stretch first. Click on an image below for a full explanation.

 Halasana                     DownwardDog