When I saw this squirrel eating from my birdfeeder I was more than a little annoyed - those seeds were intended for the birds, not the squirrels! This morning it occurred to me that that at least the squirrel is doing an inversion, hanging upside down on the feeder. So, if the squirrel’s system is anything like ours then it’s getting the benefits of an inversion posture, which are many.
It’s no mistake that Salamba Sirsasana (headstand) is considered the the king of asanas and Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) is considered the mother of asanas. There are many benefits of inversions, for example they help to revitalize your body, stimulate your organs and glandular system and revitalize your circulatory system. Headstand is also a great way to help with constipation - who knew! It’s also just interesting to see things from a different perspective. When I’m in headstand I often notice dust on the floor or on the light fixtures.
Not everyone can hang upside down from a tree like the squirrel. Fear not, there are other ways to get these benefits. In addition to the aforementioned headstand and shoulderstand there’s also handstand, plow and a gentle inversion called Viparita Karani or Legs-up-the-Wall where you lay on the floor with your legs supported up the wall or on a chair. Give one a try and see the world upside down.
For more information on inversions check out the Yoga Journal website (http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/browse_categories/inversions).
Necessary disclaimer: There are some health concerns to consider when doing an inversion particularly for those with: high blood pressure, glaucoma, neck and disk and back injuries. As with any physical activity, always check with your doctor if you have health concerns.
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