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Contra-indications: This is an inverted practice and should
not be performed unless the body is healthy. People suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, enlarged thyroid or excessive toxins in the body should not perform
this practice. Benefits: This practice gives all the benefits of vipareeta karani
asana. It balances hypoactive thyroid and acts as a preventative for cough, cold, sore throat and bronchial disorders. It stimulates the appetite and digestion, and helps relieve constipation. Regular practice prevents atherosclerosis by restoring vascular tone and elasticity. It relieves prolapse, haemorrhoids, varicose veins and hernia, all of which are exacerbated by the downward pull of gravity. Circulation to the brain is enhanced, especially to the cerebral cortex and pituitary and pineal glands. Cerebral insufficiency and senile dementia are counteracted and mental alertness increased. The inverted posture sustained in this mudra is used to reverse the downward and outward movement of energy and redirect it back to the brain. When this happens the whole being is revitalised and awareness expands. As the practice is perfected, the flow of prana in ida and pingala nadis becomes balanced. This state manifests as an equal flow of breath in the nostrils. The balancing effect of the practice also helps prevent disease from manifesting on
the physical and mental planes. Practice note: The metabolic rate may increase when this mudra
is practised for periods of half an hour or more. If this
happens, food intake should be adjusted accordingly. Note: The Sanskrit word vipareeta means 'inverted' and karani
means 'one who does'. Vipareeta karani mudra is also practised as a kriya.
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