07/07/2026
Before You Stand on Your Shoulders, Read This
> Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) is one of the most respected postures in yoga. But every powerful tool needs wisdom.
Over the years, I have spoken with doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and movement specialists in India and Europe. Many of them share that they see yoga practitioners with neck complaints after practicing poses like Shoulder Stand and Plow Pose (Halasana) — especially when these postures are performed before the body is ready, without enough strength, mobility, preparation, or correct alignment.
Deaths connected to Shoulder Stand are extremely rare, but serious complications from neck-loading inversions have been reported in medical literature. Possible risks include cervical spine injuries, nerve irritation, blood vessel problems, and increased pressure in the eyes, especially for people with certain health conditions.
This does not mean Shoulder Stand is a “bad” posture.
It means it deserves respect.
The question is not:
“Can I do this posture?”
The deeper question is:
“Is my body ready for this posture?”
A safe Shoulder Stand is not about forcing the chin into the chest or balancing on the neck.
It is about:
• Correct blanket height under the shoulders to create space for the neck
• Letting the shoulders carry the weight, not the cervical spine
• Maintaining healthy alignment of the spine
• Building strength and mobility before practicing the full pose
• Keeping the head completely still while inverted
• Learning from a teacher who understands both tradition and anatomy
When practiced with awareness, Shoulder Stand has many traditional benefits.
In yoga philosophy, it is called the “Queen of Asanas.”
Traditionally, it is said to:
• Calm the nervous system
• Support meditation and inner awareness
• Improve concentration
• Balance energy (Prana)
• Turn awareness inward..
more in our M3 Yoga Teacher Training Course.
Sources:
British Medical Journal: https://www.bmj.com
PubMed medical research database: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org
08/01/2025
Wir freuen uns unglaublich, unser Yoga Teacher Training in einem wahren Paradies anbieten zu dürfen – einem traumhaften Resort mit 16 Hütten und Platz für bis zu 19 Teilnehmern auf Bali.
Hier bieten wir nicht nur unsere Yogalehrer-Ausbildungen an, sondern schaffen auch eine einzigartige Möglichkeit für Praktika. Teilnehmer unserer 200- und 500-Stunden-Ausbildungen können bei uns bleiben, die Yoga-Lebensweise in vollen Zügen genießen und ein aktiver Teil unserer Yogaschule werden.
Bald starten wir auch Yoga-Ausbildungen auf Englisch – eine neue Reise erwartet dich!
We are thrilled to offer our yoga teacher training in a true paradise – a stunning resort with 16 huts and space for up to 19 participants in Bali.
Here, we not only provide yoga teacher trainings but also create a unique opportunity for internships. Participants of our 200-hour and 500-hour programs can stay, fully embrace the yogic lifestyle, and become an active part of our yoga school.
We offering yoga teacher trainings in both English and German – a new journey awaits you!
12/10/2024
Heute haben wir unsere intensive 200h Yogalehrer Ausbildung erfolgreich abgeschlossen – und was für eine wunderbare Zeit das war! Gemeinsam als Gruppe haben wir so viel gelernt, gelacht und uns gegenseitig unterstützt. Die Energie und Verbundenheit zwischen uns allen war einfach magisch.
Auch heute feiern wir Dussehra, ein bedeutendes Fest im hinduistischen Kalender. Es symbolisiert den Sieg des Guten über das Böse und erinnert uns daran, dass mit innerer Stärke und Weisheit alles möglich ist.
Vielen Dank für diese unglaubliche gemeinsame Reise. Wir wünschen euch alles Liebe und einen fröhlichen Dussehra!
Namasté
Euer Turiya Yoga Team
