Inversion Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800608

Shoulderstand at the Wall Salamba Sarvangasana (wall)

Shoulderstand practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Practice Shoulderstand at the Wall (Salamba Sarvangasana (wall)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
Download on the App Store
Shoulderstand at the Wall (Salamba Sarvangasana (wall)) — Inversion Yoga Posture Illustration

Shoulderstand at the Wall (Salamba Sarvangasana (wall)) — Inversion posture targeting Shoulders, Abs, Back, Traps · Even ujjayi breath · Chest drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Salamba Sarvangasana (wall)
Posture Family
Inversion
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
90 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Chest
Target Muscles
Shoulders, Abs, Back, Traps
Energy Expenditure
3.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Shoulderstand at the Wall

Shoulderstand at the Wall (Salamba Sarvangasana (wall)) belongs to the Inversion posture family and engages the Shoulders, Abs, Back, Traps at an intensity of approximately 3.2 METs. Shoulderstand practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 90-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Chest to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Shoulders, Abs, Back, Traps.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 14 years (168 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 90 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • High blood pressure
  • Glaucoma
  • Menstruation
  • Pregnancy

iOS App for iPhone & iPad

Practice with 908 illustrated postures, custom prāṇāyāma timers & dosha meal plans

Combine classical Vata, Pitta, and Kapha balance, Six Tastes (Shad Rasa), and seasonal Ritucharya routines with verified USDA calorie, macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral tracking.

Related Inversion Yoga Poses

Halasana Plough at the Wall (Halasana (wall))Inversion · Level 2

Halasana Plough at the Wall (Halasana (wall))

Halasana Plough practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Ear Pressure Pose at the Wall (Karnapidasana (wall))Inversion · Level 2

Ear Pressure Pose at the Wall (Karnapidasana (wall))

Ear Pressure Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Forearm Stand at the Wall (Pincha Mayurasana (wall))Inversion · Level 2

Forearm Stand at the Wall (Pincha Mayurasana (wall))

Forearm Stand practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Tripod Headstand at the Wall (Sirsasana II (wall))Inversion · Level 2

Tripod Headstand at the Wall (Sirsasana II (wall))

Tripod Headstand practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.