This simple pose calms the mind and reduces stress

Reduce anxiety, headaches, improve blood circulation… Here, among other things, are the alleged benefits of the “feet against the wall” position, whose hashtag has nearly 20 million views on TikTok, reports an article on the English website. Stylist This pose, which yoga enthusiasts call “Viparita-karana,” or even half-candle, is simple to perform and accessible to everyone, has real physiological benefits, and its effects are immediate. Explanations:

Reduce stress and anxiety

“Putting your feet against the wall puts your thighs slightly above your heart, which allows blood to flow directly to the brain,” says Laura Rettmann, an osteopath and yoga teacher in Paris. It will be better oxygenated and this is where the benefits for the body come from.

“Being well-oxygenated and regulating blood circulation, the brain will signal the heart to slow down the heart rate,” the specialist notes. The heart will in turn signal to the brain that it is time to rest, which will relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. Combining this pose with breathing exercises will increase its calming effect, explains the yoga teacher.

“When we breathe deeply, we stimulate the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, meaning relaxation, digestion, regeneration… The one that allows us to ‘come down,'” he explains. Brain irrigation will also have a restorative effect that can reduce fatigue, but also migraines and headaches.

Promote blood circulation

Candles also improve “venous return”. Thus, it helps “combat heavy legs, swollen ankles, vein problems or painful varicose veins,” assures Laura Retman.

The osteopath especially encourages athletes to do this pose after their session, which allows for a return to relaxation after exercise.

Relieve pain associated with menstruation and menopause

The “viparita-karana” pose will also relieve “the pelvic region in women, that is, the ovaries, the uterus and the entire area between the lower abdomen and the pubis,” the osteopath describes. It will also “loosen” the psoas muscle, the hip flexor. “Working the hamstrings, we weaken the muscle. This gives relief especially in case of menstrual pains or at the beginning of menopause,” he informs.

Make a candle in comfort

Easily accessible, posture does not require flexibility. To perform it, you lie on your back, on a mat or bed, with your back against the wall. The legs are stretched or almost, depending on the flexibility of each person. Heels touch the wall. “The tingling sensation in the legs is normal, because the blood is circulating,” warns the osteopath. We stop when the sensation is too unpleasant and try again the next day.”

Once in this pose, you can place a pillow under your neck or a blanket under your butt for comfort if needed. Arms can be across the chest, along the body, or straight, 90 degrees to each side of the bust. “You can also massage your neck or thighs to release tension,” she says.

Half-candle can be done every day, from 2 to 30 minutes, as desired. If the desired effect is relaxation, then it can be done in the evening before going to bed. “For an anxious person, posture can have a calming-stimulating effect when getting out of bed in the morning.” However, be careful not to stand up too quickly or you may feel dizzy.