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Headstand Pose
Also Known as Salamba Sirsasana
About the pose/asana
This is an inverted pose. It is deceptively easy, the challenge being to hold the position of inverted balance steady.
Benefits of pose/asana
The Headstand pose has the following physical benefits:
* It results in the stimulation of the pineal and pituitary glands.
* It helps the brain to calm down.
* It also helps in reduction of stress and mild depression.
* It increases the strength of lungs.
* It helps in strengthening of arms, spine and legs
* It strengthens and shapes organs located in the abdominal region.
* It has a positive effect on the process of digestion.
* It acts as a therapeutic healer for ailments such as infertility, asthma, sinusitis and insomnia.
* It helps in reduction of menopause symptoms.
How to do Headstand Pose or Salamba Sirsasana?
Step 1: Sit on the floor, on your knees. Bend forward and place your forearms on the floor.
Step 2: wedge your fingers with each other, making a cup like hold to hold your head during the pose.
Step 3: Position the top of your head on the floor, securely locked into place between the fingers of your cupped hands.
Step 4: Bring your feet towards your head by walking them.
Step 5: Now attempt raising either your right or your left leg through kicking. However, do remember that it is to be one leg only which has to be raised. Do not attempt raising both legs or else you will lose your balance.
Step 6: Once you have raised one leg half-way, it is time to lift (or rather, kick) the other leg as well.
Step 7: after you have successfully raised both your legs, the entire body weight would come down on to your neck. This can cause injury. Avoid the situation by pushing your forearms in to the floor. This would redistribute the weight to your forearms and shoulders.
Step 8: Now stretch your legs to the full while simultaneously balancing your head between the cupped fingers. Hold steady for the length of a minimum of 10 breaths.
A word of caution!
The pose is not supposed to be performed if you are suffering from any of the following injuries or medical symptoms:
* Any type of back injury
* Heart condition
* Headache
* Neck injury
* Menstruation
* High and low blood pressure
* Pregnancy (do only if you have been doing it before you became pregnant)
Tips for Beginners
Beginners are more prone to sustain injury to their neck and head while performing this pose. Hence, they can make use of a prop. The best prop would be a wall. Also, begin by supporting your body's weight on your arms and shoulders instead of the head. Weight can be transferred to the head once you have gained strength.
Is it advisable for women undergoing menstrual cycles?
Medical studies on women have not shown any negative results of performing this pose while undergoing menstrual cycles. However, women tend not to do it simply because of the purported reason that it eases the stress levels on an already stressed body.
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