Do they have the same benefits ?
Can one get the same benefit of sarvangasana by doing viparita karani + halasana ?
Good questions.
Why you ask is actually more important here than what you ask.
The short answer on both is “not likely”.
Thanks IA!
Reason for my question is, I found sarvangasana very intense…
Intense in what way? Intense would be the opposite of that particular pose’s nature. If it is intense physiologically and that intensity lies from the occipital ridge to the upper thoracic spine than the begged question would be “what props are you using and in what way”. Additional questions might be exploring the opening you may (or may not) have in the shoulders and whether your spine is moving into your body in Adho Mukha Svanasana.
In order to get similar effects while reducing the intensity Setu Bandha is advised. If that too is overly intense then the same pose with a block under the sacrum for support.
In the meantime the student should be working the things which will eventually lead to a reduced intensity in Sarvangasana.
gordon
Thanks Inner for such a detailed reply. Really appreciated!
You’re welcome.
gordon