It can be achieved with a little practice and is performed when the body is well warmed up
In Sanskrit Salamba means support and is the most common variant of the candle Sarvangasana. “This inevitable asana from the lessons of Hatha yoga it’s a true elixir of well-being per columnmuscles, circulation, endocrine system and mental relaxation” he explains Laura Puccini certified yoga and pilates teacher. “It’s a wonderful yoga position: it can be achieved with a little practice, and is usually performed at the end of the practice when the body is well heated“.
Candle position: tips for execution
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“Run at least five greetings to the sun before and some cervical rotation and flexion to accustom the neck which could be affected by the weight of the body in the upside down position. The final pose is performed with the cervical spine completely supported and the torso as close to vertical as possible.” Find one quiet space, without distractions; it is not trivial because once you reach the position, you will no longer have to rotate your cervical spine and keep your body extended and balanced on the shoulders. “Start from the supine position with legs together 90 degrees and then, with the activation of the abdominals, lift the trunk and support it with your hands as close as possible to your shoulder blades, your elbows resting on the mat should be as tight as possible. Initially try to stay 5/8 breaths and then the body will get used to it and you will find this asana pleasant and calming.”
The alternatives
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If you want to continue with the variations, once you have reached the correct final position, you can raise your arms to the sides of your thighs (Niralamba Sarvangasana), the candle without support, or by placing one leg after the other backwards on the ground, trying not to bend the knees (eka pada Sarvangasana).
Candle position: simpler variations
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Some contraindications do not make it suitable for everyone, but there are variations that do softer even for those who cannot or cannot practice it. “You can stay in position a 90 degrees without going into inversion, you can practice it resting your legs on the wall or you can use one yoga block under the sacrum if supporting the pelvis with the arms is too demanding”.
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