Headstand
Sanskrit: Sirsasana
In traditional yoga practices, Headstand is an inverted posture taught in seven different forms. In the variation we’ll look at here, the base of support is the top of the skull. To get into the pose, come to your knees, place your forearms on the floor, and clasp your hands, positioning your elbows shoulder-width apart (creating an inverted V from clasped hands to your elbows). Find the floor with the crown of your head, and cradle the back of your head with your clasped hands. Engage your upper body as you press your elbows and wrists into the floor, and lift your shoulders. Once you establish this stable base, lift your legs off the floor until your body is inverted and erect, balancing on your head and forearms.
Headstands offer many health benefits. They may help to:
- calm the mind
- alleviate stress and depression
- activate the pituitary and pineal glands
- stimulate the lymphatic system
- strengthen the upper body, spine, and core
- enhance lung capacity
- stimulate and strengthen abdominal organs
- boost digestion
- alleviate symptoms of menopause
- prevent headache
Avoid doing headstands if you have:
- neck, shoulder, or back concerns
- concerns with blood coming to your head
- osteoporosis
- a heart condition
- high or low blood pressure
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