This Inverted Asanas reverse the action of gravity on the body, instead of everything being pulled towards the feet, the orientation shifts towards the head. Similarly, on the emotional levels, inverted Asanas turn everything upside down, throwing a new light on old patterns of behavior. Generally, these practices improve health, reduce anxiety and stress, and increase self-confidence. They also increase mental power, concentration and the capacity to sustain large workloads without strain.  Inverted Asanas encourage a rich supply of blood to flow to the brain, nourishing the neurons and flushing out toxins. Blood and lymph, accumulated in the lower limbs and abdomen, are drained back to the heart, then circulated to the lungs, purified and re-circulated to all parts of the body. This process nourishes the cells of the whole human organism. The enriched blood flow also allows the pituitary gland to operate more.  This has a positive effect on the metabolic processes and even on ways of thinking.  While the body is in an inverted Asana, the breath becomes slow and deep, maximizing the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and generally encouraging correct respiration. In addition, the abdominal organs: the liver, spleen, stomach, kidneys and pancreas, receive a powerful massage, helping them to perform their functions more efficiently.

Traditionally, inverted Asanas are used to sublimate and transform sexual energy into spiritual energy. The aim of the practices, in this context, is to stimulate the Chakras, open Sushumna Nadi and unleash Kundalini to bring about psychic awakening. While it is unlikely that Kundalini will be raised through practice of these Asanas alone, inverted postures undoubtedly improve the quality of meditation and concentration, refining the consciousness and enabling it to enter unexplored levels of the mind.  This important group of Asanas must be performed correctly and with the utmost care.   Do not practice inverted Asanas until at least three hours after taking food. Do not perform inverted Asanas immediately after vigorous exercise. Wait for half an hour to allow the body to remove the waste products of muscle metabolism from the blood.   Always practice these Asanas on a folded blanket thick enough to protect the vertebra of the neck and back of the head. Never practice on a soft mattress, spring bed or air cushion.  Beginners should only remain in the final positions for a few seconds. Once an Asana can be maintained without experiencing the slightest difficulty, the duration may be increased gradually until it can be held for the recommended time.  Always follow inverted poses with Shavasana. Rest until the breath and heartbeat are completely normal, then practice the recommended counterposes.

Do not practice near furniture or anything that might impede a free fall to the floor. During a backward or forward fall, aim to break the fall with the feet. While falling, the body should be completely relaxed, never tense. If any discomfort occurs, discontinue the practice.  People suffering from high blood pressure and back conditions, especially slipped disc, should not practice these Asanas. Those with illnesses that make the blood impure should not perform inverted Asanas until the blood is purified. Those who are uncertain about the purity of their blood should seek the advice of a yoga teacher or Ayurvedic doctor.  Women should not practice inverted postures during pregnancy or menstruation.  Assume the postures slowly and gently.  Inverted Asanas with their counterposes are usually placed at the end of an Asana program.  Never combine Mayurasana with Inverted Asanas in one practice session.