Yoga: Tame the uncontrollable mind

In yoga, we believe that body is just the physical manifestation of the mind, hence the importance to keep the mind healthy and meditate regularly. Vertigo is the result of an imbalance in the mind. Yoga philosophy defines emotional stress as the root cause of vertigo, a feeling of uncontrollableness, made worse by fear and anxiousness. Due to the stress and imbalance in the mind the body develops various symptoms leading to vertigo.

The best way to calm the mind is to keep it in the present moment and that is precisely what balancing postures and meditation do. Let us look at the Ek Pada Sarvangasana.

Note: Though these postures are easy to do and can be done by all at home, as with all exercise, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before starting them.

EK PADA SARVANGASANA

This posture is a combination of two classical yoga postures — halasana (the plough pose) and sarvangasana (the shoulder stand).

Procedure:

1 Lie down on your back with your legs raised at 90 degrees and your hands by your side.

2 Slowly raise your hips off the ground and support your back with your hands, as shown.

3 Stabilise your body in a straight line, remain in this position for a few seconds.

4 Slowly drop your right leg over your head, to the ground, while keeping the left one up. Try to achieve a 90 degree angle between your legs.

5 Remain in this position for 10-30 seconds and repeat the same with the left leg.

Benefits:

1 Calms the brain, and helps relieve stress and mild depression.

2 Improves the sense of balance thus helping in relieving dizziness and vertigo.

3 Stimulates the thyroid, prostate glands and abdominal organs.

4 Stretches the shoulders and neck.

5 Tones the legs and buttocks.

6 Improves digestion.

7 Reduces fatigue and alleviates insomnia.

Caution:

People suffering from neck and shoulder problems should avoid this posture. Also note that it is not to be practised when you have a vertigo attack. It can be done only to prevent further attacks or reduce its frequency.

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