It is considered as the best asana among all the asanas, as it activates most of the important glands and help improve their function. Even old books on Yoga proclaim importance of this asana.

Sarvanga means every part ( Sarva + anga). Since this asana involves every part of the body, it is called sarvangasana.

Steps for Practice Sarvangasana:
1. Exhale and inhaling start raising both the legs upward and stop when they make angle of 90 degree with the floor. Attain the Uttanpadasana posture.
2. Exhaling raise the waist and push the legs backward over the head.
3. Support the waist with both the hands, using your hands get the legs, waist and back in one straight line and stabilize them in this position, stretch the toes towards sky. Keep the sight on the toes.
4. Continue normal breathing.

Benefits of Sarvangasana
1. Helps improve the blood circulation as impure blood easily reaches the heart. To some extent you can get the benefits of Shirshasana (up side down) in this posture.
2. This asana controls and cures the diseases related to genital organs, constipation.
3. It also helps cure varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Precautions before doing Sarvangasana
1. People suffering from headache, brain diseases, blood pressure, heart related ailments etc. should not do this Do not bend the legs in knees.
2. Do not take the legs over your head in the position, but you can take the legs over your head while taking & releasing the position.
3. Do not move the neck or overstrain it in chin lock position asana without expert guidance.

Note: As the Jalandhara bandha is practiced in this asana, it becomes necessary to practice the Matsya Bandha immediately after releasing the Sarvangasana. One should practice Matsyasana.

Beginner`s Tip: Some people, especially those with heavy hips and big bellies may find it difficult to perform this asana. Such persons, initially, can take the help of another person while raising the hips and the waist.