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Headstand Pose
Also Known as Sirsasana
About the pose/asana
This is an inverted type of asana. It is difficult to perform. Thus suggested to advanced yogis or yoga performers.
Benefits of Headstand Pose/Sirsasana
* The pose helps you stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands.
* The pose helps you strengthen your lungs.
* The pose helps you strengthen your arms, spine, and legs.
* The pose helps you improve your digestion.
* The pose tones the organs in the abdominal region.
* The pose helps you calm your brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression.
* The pose helps you get rid from the symptoms of menopause.
The pose has also helped in the therapeutic treatment of the following ailments:
* Asthma
* Insomnia
* Infertility
* Sinusitis
How to do Headstand Pose?
Step 1: Kneel down on the floor and place your forearms in front of your knees. Clasp your hands together to form a cup.
Step 2: Comfortably fit in the topmost portion of your head into the cup.
Step 3: Take your feet to the back, reaching as far as the length of the legs allow. Stabilise the head held in between the cupped hands.
Step 4: Slowly try to walk your legs towards your head. Continue till the time your thighs are on top of your shoulders.
Step 5: In order to lift your legs off the floor you need to kick your legs up. Begin with kicking one leg followed by the other one. Balance both the legs perpendicularly to the floor.
Step 6: In order to avoid concentration of your body's weight in your neck and on your head, it is necessary that you push your body with your forearms.
Step 7: Hold the pose for 5 to 10 seconds. Come out of the pose by lowering your legs first and then lifting your head with a strong push of the arms.
More about Headstand Pose/Sirsasana
A word of caution!
The headstand pose is not meant to be performed if you are suffering from any of the following ailments/injuries:
* Back injury
* Heart condition
* Headache
* High blood pressure
* Low blood pressure
* Neck injury
* Menstruation cycles: It is generally recommended that women should avoid this pose when experiencing their menstruation cycles. The effects of performing this pose on their body are largely unknown as medical studies have not been able to pinpoint something. Hence, user discretion is recommended.
Beginner's Tip
Too much weight in the neck and on the head can result in sprain. Beginners can avoid the situation by supporting their body against a wall.
Modifications and Props
A wall is the best prop for this pose. It would help yoga practitioners attain more balance in their body. The best way to do the pose is to climb towards the wall. That ways your body won't fall down the other side.
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