Handstands & Inversions: Why Inversions Belong in Every Yoga Practice

Debora Morandi
Sep 13, 2025
2 min read

Whenever stress or overwhelm crept in during my university days, I found an unexpected remedy: kicking up into a handstand in my bedroom. At the time, I didn’t fully understand why, but this simple inversion always made me feel lighter and calmer, as if I’d pressed a mental reset button.

Now, with more awareness and experience, I see that inversions do far more than challenge physical strength. They shift our perspective both literally and energetically, providing a powerful way to refresh the body, mind, and spirit. Whether practicing handstands, headstands, or gentler poses like legs-up-the-wall, the act of turning upside down invites a powerful renewal on multiple levels.

Physical Benefits

Inversions build strength in the shoulders, arms, and core, which improves balance, coordination, and body awareness. They stimulate circulation by reversing normal blood flow, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body, especially to the brain. This boost supports cardiovascular health and can improve immune function. The increased pressure on bones during inversion also helps maintain bone density and joint health.

Energetic Effects

From an energetic perspective, inversions redirect prana (life force) toward the upper chakras, particularly awakening clarity, mental calm, and a sense of lightness. This flow of energy revitalizes and rebalances the system, which creates an uplifting and refreshing feeling that extends beyond the physical.

Mental Benefits

Mentally, holding a handstand requires deep focus, patience, and presence. It demands trust in the body and breath, helping cultivate mindfulness and concentration. This heightened state of awareness supports stress reduction and mental clarity, which promotes emotional balance and resilience.

Spiritual Insights

Spiritually, inversions serve as a metaphor for letting go of control and embracing new perspectives. They encourage surrender, acceptance, and connection to higher consciousness. This practice often aligns with awakening the crown chakra and fosters peace, optimism, and spiritual growth.

Every Saturday at Nestra Beach Shala, I lead a Handstands & Inversions class designed to guide students safely and playfully through these benefits. The class progresses through wrist and hip stretches and builds arm and core strength, preparing the body for handstands. Along the way, I offer targeted drills to develop key movements and provide workshop time for students to explore handstands and inversions at their own pace, supporting everyone’s unique journey.

For me, flipping upside down has become a beloved ritual and a joyful way to bring fresh perspective into life. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to lift your feet off the ground and see the world from a new angle. Join us at Nestra Beach Shala and discover the transformative magic of inversions for yourself.

Written by Kat Nguyen, Yoga Instructor at Nestra Beach Shala ♡