Right Side Up & Up Side Down.

Chin Stand is a super fun inversion, that isn't explored too often in group classes.

Ganda Bherundasana (Formidable Face Pose).

This asana registers as 56* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.

In the full expression of this pose, only your chin, neck and upper ribs are touching the mat.  It is incredibly intense on your throat, neck, back and arms.  I recommend only working on this asana with an experienced teacher.

To prepare yourself for this pose, you can try to become comfortable breathing with your chin and neck pressed against the floor.  Once you can breathe comfortably, you can try to lift one leg at a time and explore the concept of balancing with your weight on your arms (bicep strength is key). 

Start working on yoga push ups by coming to your knees, lifting your feet towards your seat and bending your arms so that your chin can touch the floor in front of your hands.

I like to come to the full expression from a one legged downward facing dog, bringing my weight over my arms as in plank and then bending my elbows as in push up and resting my chin lightly on the floor.  Once I have established the correct position for my arms, I kick my other leg up to mee the one that is already extended.

Once you have your balance in chin stand, you can start to work your feet towards your head.  This is a very intense back bend and puts even more pressure on your neck and chin.  Please be sure to have an experienced teacher assisting you.

Keep in mind, that even the preparation for an advanced asana is a challenge.  The physical and mental preparations to overcome your fear is rewarding.  It does not matter wether you ever take on the full pose, working with your body and building strength makes you an advanced yogi in itself.  Loose any attachment to the end result and work with what your body is able to accomplish today, who knows, it may surprise you tomorrow.

Namaste.
Jacqui.