Why You Should Start Practicing Legs Up On The Wall Daily

I am sure you have heard of people putting their legs up on the wall and the supposed health benefits, but is there any truth to it all?

Well, I think so!

A quick search on the internet even shows the Mayo Clinic talking about the vast benefits to this posture. Of course this is not magic, and it is not going to cure anything, but I think it is a super easy and relaxing way to improve your health! It doesn’t hurt to try it, right?

I am always on the hunt for easy, free or low cost ways to improve my health and wellness, and I think this is a good one to add to the mix 🙂

What is legs up on the wall pose?

Legs Up the Wall Pose or Viparita Karani is a restorative yoga pose that allows the mind and the body to relax, relieving stress and tension.

It is probably one of the easiest yoga poses, as it doesn’t require much flexibility or strength. But even though it looks passive, the benefits are pretty amazing.

Legs up can be an excellent addition to your morning or bedtime routines, or both.

Put on some relaxing meditation music and get even more benefits from the practice!

And as always, contact your doctor before starting any new exercise programs.

How to do it

I like to do this in bed with my legs up against the headboard, but you can do it in whatever way is best for you.

If you want to do it on the floor with your legs up on the wall, I recommend grabbing a mat or pillow to put under your butt or your head (or both) to make it more comfortable.

Try to find a position that you can maintain for at least 10-15 minutes for optimal benefits.

What are the benefits?

1). Relaxes the body and the mind – This pose is a great way to calm your nerves. You will be able to relax more deeply and release any anxiety and tension you may be feeling. This pose can even bring your body back to its own innate capacity for rest, relaxation, and self-healing.

2). Increases circulation – This pose can help with edema (swelling) in the legs and feet, reversing gravity’s effects. It also improves lymphatic fluid movement for people who have low blood pressure or spend a lot of time sitting or standing during the day.

3). Soothes cramps – It’s one of the best ways to help drain tension and soothe swollen or cramped legs and feet. This can be therapeutic after flying, physical activity, or from the effects of sitting or standing all day. One of the best benefits for women is that this can even aid in pelvic floor relaxation and provide relief to menstrual cramps and its related issues like backaches, headache and abdominal pains. The pelvic muscles naturally release and relax in this position (especially if you put a pillow or cushion under your butt).

4). Stretches low back, hamstrings, and glutes – This pose also gently stretches your hamstrings, glutes, spine, and hips while taking pressure off of your lower back. The angle of your body in this posture also reduces the curve of your lumbar spine, which will elongate and stretch the back muscles and even the leg muscles (the closer your hips are to the wall, the more stretch you’ll create in your hamstrings).

5). Eases headaches and migraines – Did you know that the majority of headaches are usually tension-related? Well that is why this pose can help to gently stretch and relax the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back while improving circulation of blood flow to your head.

6). Improves digestion – When you combine a longer hold of Legs Up the Wall with slow, rhythmic breathing, you will be tapping into your “rest and digest” nervous response. In this state, your body will be actively digesting anything you have eaten, as well as working to heal and repair your body.

7). Improves sleep – This yoga pose is a wonderfully relaxing pose (obviously). The aspect of putting your legs up, combined with controlled breathing leads to a slowing down within your body. This can result in a lowered heart rate which in turn, helps lower anxiety, stress and insomnia. This pose is amazing to do right before bed, or even IN bed. You can put your legs up on the headboard or the wall behind the bed and make it extra easy to do every night 😉

8). Helps quiet the mind – By fully relaxing your body and by focusing on deep breathing, you can start to evoke a meditative state. As you breathe, surrender and let go, you’ll find yourself slipping into peace, bliss, and relaxation.

9). It gives you all the benefits of inversions, without the effort– Just like yoga inversions, Legs Up the Wall pose can help to increase energy levels, reverse the effects of gravity, help reduce and/or balance blood pressure, and also soothe pain. Though this pose requires a lot less effort than a typical yoga inversion, you will still be getting many of the benefits of practicing an active inversion, while also fully resting and surrendering.

Have you ever practiced this position in your daily routine? Comment below on your thoughts and experiences with it!

After reading about the benefits, are you curious to try it out now?

I think this is a great one to add to your evening routine!

After your session

Make sure that you get up slowly from this position, since you may feel a little light headed.

It is important to never come out of an inversion pose too quickly, since the blood will rush to your head and it possible you could pass out, and no one wants that!!

And as always, hydrate with a little water, Himalayan salt, and lemon squeezed in 😉

Are you having a hard time starting a health and wellness routine on your own?

Well then email me today to set up a free discovery call to see how I can help you achieve your goals.

I love helping women reduce their stress, sleep better, eat healthier, start a yoga, meditation, and exercise routine, and actually start to enjoy their lives!

I can even help you with medication and supplement counseling.

Don’t wait.

Let’s make 2023 the best year yet.