Unsupported Shoulderstand is an inverted balance pose, in which the body is suspended in air. While supported shoulder stand poses use the hands and/or blocks to scaffold the body, unsupported shoulder stand relies on a triangular base made by the back of the head and two shoulder points. But, that is only one of the reasons why unsupported shoulder pose is sometimes called the ‘mother’ of all poses.  Unsupported shoulder stand is known for its many therapeutic benefits including stimulating the thyroid, metabolism and digestive, balancing the nervous system and relieving stress, insomnia and asthma. Unsupported Shoulderstand dates back to the 15^th century Yoga Handbook, the Hatha Pradipika and is one of the 12 foundation poses of Hatha yoga.

From savasana (reclining pose). Inhale, contract the abdominal muscles and raise the legs perpendicular to the floor. Exhale; lift hips off the floor, bringing the feet above the head. Press the back of arms and palms into the floor and stretch up through the core muscles, straightening the spine and bringing shoulders, hips and feet into one line. Raise one arm and then the other vertical, along the sides of the body. Breathe normally and gaze upwards to toes. To exit the pose, lower the arms to the floor. Inhale and bend at the waist, lowering the legs over the head. On the exhale, slowly lower hips, lower, middle, then upper back to floor, vertebrae by vertebra until the body is fully reclining and back to start position.