Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Sanskrit:

Setu - A bridge
Bandha - A lock
Sarvanga - To provide support

Supported Bridge Pose

In Iyengar Yoga this pose is also referred to as Chatush Padasana, or "four-footed pose", since the shoulders should be tucked under to create two additional "feet" for the body.

Benefits:

• Tones and stretches the legs; calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings
  
• Strengthens the spine, chest, and neck.
• Increases blood flow to the legs, pelvis, lower spine and abdomen
  
• Tones and stimulates the abdominal organs, improving digestion
• May help some types of back pain due to the lengthening and strengthening in the hips and spine.
• Opens across the chest and allows for the breath to be very deep.
• Stimulates the lungs and thyroid gland
• Energizes the body, especially the legs
  
• Calms the mind, relieving anxiety, nervous tension, and stress
• Excellent pose for students who may be unable to practice deeper inversions
  

Contraindications:

• People with neck injury may want to avoid this pose or perform only with approval from their healthcare professional.
• Women who are pregnant may find this pose uncomfortable after the third month and should avoid entirely in the third trimester.
• May exacerbate symptoms related to high blood pressure, especially if uncontrolled.
• Any person who has experienced any kind of hemorrhagic stroke should not do this pose without consulting their health care professional first.