The Inverted Action

The text describes the inverted action as reversing the sun and moon within the body, so that what was being consumed is preserved. Practised for a few minutes and built up slowly, it is said to reverse ageing. The instruction is gradual increase over months.

Passive inversion shifts fluid from the legs toward the chest and head, briefly raising central venous pressure and triggering baroreceptor responses that slow the heart. Supported versions with the legs up a wall or on a bolster carry almost none of the risks of a full shoulderstand and produce the restful effect most practitioners are after.

1. Lie on your back with the hips close to a wall, or place a bolster under the pelvis.
2. Extend the legs up the wall or straight overhead, letting the pelvis rest supported.
3. Relax the arms, throat and jaw, and breathe quietly through the nose.
4. Stay two to ten minutes, building up gradually.
5. Bend the knees, roll to one side, and rest before sitting up.

Avoid with glaucoma or raised eye pressure, retinal problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, neck injury, ear infection, or during menstruation if it feels wrong. In pregnancy use only a low supported version and avoid lying flat for long in later trimesters.