What should a student do if they feel discomfort while holding an inversion pose?

When a student experiences discomfort while holding an inversion pose, modifying the pose or coming out of it is the most appropriate response. This approach emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and understanding individual limitations. Inversion poses can significantly challenge balance, strength, and circulation, and discomfort can indicate that the body needs an adjustment or a different modification to maintain safety and comfort.

Continuing to hold a pose through discomfort may lead to injury, particularly in inversions where the head is below the heart. Modifying the pose—by employing props, reducing the intensity of the pose, or adjusting body alignment—ensures that the practice remains safe and effective. If discomfort persists, coming out of the pose altogether allows the student to reassess their physical state and adapt their practice to what feels more comfortable.

Listening to one's body is a fundamental principle of yoga, and prioritizing well-being over the desire to maintain a pose is essential for a sustainable practice. This mindset fosters not only physical safety but also mental awareness and growth in one's yoga journey.