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WELCOME TO DAY 13

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‘Getting upside down is my Fountain of Youth.’

THE POWER IN TURNING UPSIDE DOWN!

Inverting is your Fountain of Youth. 

The forebears of the hatha yoga tradition, believed that amrita, (the nectar of immortality)

was held within the cranial vault, the sahasrara chakra (crown of head and above). 

This nectar permeating down and consumed by the fire of your torso throughout your days. 

However, when you turn yourself upside down, this amrita nectar would be retained, 

hence prolonging life and preserving your life force!


Reverse Effects of Gravity

As you stand, sit, or walk gravity slowly weighs you down and saps your strength. As the years go by, so do the damages.

The ancient yogis called gravity “the silent enemy.”

Yoga texts claims Viparita Karani (see image) as one of “the ten mudras which conquer old age and death.”

13 REASON TO LOVE INVERSIONS?

IMPROVES HEART & LUNGS

  1. Tissue fluids of your feet, legs and lower organs drain far more effectively than when your asleep.

  2. Areas that are congested clear away!

  3. If you can remain in an inverted posture for just 3 to 5 minutes, the blood will drain quickly to the heart,

  4. Improves flow to the veins and lymph channels of the legs and abdominal, pelvic organs.

  5. When we INVERT, blood perfuses the well-ventilated upper lobes of the lungs improving oxygen-to-blood exchange and healthier lung tissue.


    IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

  6. Inversions help with focus, balance, and brain function.

  7. When you hang out upside down, oxygen-rich blood flows to your brain.

  8. After you adjust to it you begin to notice that your brain feels more alive. Since your brain is the largest consumer of oxygen in your body, more blood means more oxygen, which means better brain function.

  9. Inversions force you to relax focus and adjust yourself to that current situation.


    STIMULATES LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

  10. The lymphatic system is a closed pressure system and has one-way valves that keep lymph moving towards the heart.

  11. When you turn upside down, your entire lymphatic system is stimulated and hence strengthens your immune system.

    REDUCES STRESS

  12. Inversions positively influence the nervous system and endocrine system (hormone balance).

  13. Inverting is another helpful tool to relax the mind.

Know that an inversion does not mean you need to do a headstand or handstand.

It can be a simple legs up the wall or downward-facing dog.

Choose the inversions you love the most!

Viparita Karani (in image above) is the best example of a simple inversion.

PRACTISE AT LEAST 10 MINUTES/DAY.

DOWNWARD DOG image and benefits! “A” from my book ZEN SOUL YOUR LIFE

Viparita Karani Posture - Option to elevate hips with place bolster or blocks.

WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL

Write unedited for 10 mins after your exercies/practise. (Set your alarm). 

Jump off Line/ Topic:

When my life turns upside down…what tools do I have to support me?

DAY 13 CLASS

YOGA FLOW TO STRENGTH - INCLUDES INVERSIONS

SPINACH & EGGPLANT LASAGNE

Spinach & Eggplant Lasagne

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium eggplants

  • 1 Tbsp Ghee or Sesame oil

  • 1 onion finely sliced

  • 1 Tbsp ginger

  • 1 Tbsp garlic

  • 2 Cups finely chopped spinach or spinach leaves 8 organic ripe tomatoes blended.

  • 1/2 Cup basil

  • 1/2 Cup Nutritional yeast

Dressing : Mix 1 Cup of olive oil, 1 Tbsp Tamari, 1 drop of LEMON & FENNEL essential oils & 1/2 Cup fresh torn basil leaves.

Method:

  • Pre- heat oven 180 degrees

  • Finely slice eggplants & grill in oven or pan with ghee/oil. Set aside.

  • Heat ghee/oil in large fry pan then cook ginger & garlic. Add onion & cook until caramelised.

  • Add blended or finely chop tomatoes and cook with onions.

  • Add spinach & basil folded into the whole mixture.

  • Lightly glaze oil over rectangle oven dish, then arrange half of eggplant over the base.

  • Next layer with spinach & tomato, then sprinkle a fine layer of nutritional yeast as topping.

  • Repeat this layering and finish with yeast.

  • Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes.

  • Serve hot with dressing recipe above.

References for Inversion benefits:

David Coulter (University Anatomy lecturer 18 yrs)

Yoga Journal