What is Sirshasana (Headstand)?
Sirshasana is a Hatha Yoga pose in which the yoga practitioner balances on the head with the help of the arms. Sirshasana, or Headstand Pose, is also known as the "King of Asanas" because it requires balance on the head/crown. This asana is quite popular as it has a lot of health benefits. It increases blood circulation and ensures that the brain receives enough well-oxygenated blood.
When you are in a secure and steady Headstand, not only does your body invert, but so does your blood pressure. The pressure in the head, neck, shoulders, veins, arteries, lungs, and legs shifts. This variation in blood pressure requires the body to react in order to keep the various physiological systems in balance. Upper extremity muscles and tissues are also strained and stimulated.
How to do Sirshasana?
When doing the asana first thing in the morning, which is the optimum time, do Surya namaskar first to warm up the body. This helps to warm up the body and make it more flexible before jumping into Sirshasana. Beginners should execute this under the supervision of a trained Yoga teacher and against the wall for their own safety.
- Interlock your fingers tightly, producing a cup with your palms.
- Place the crown of the head on the formed basket so that it meets the palms.
- Raise your knees off the floor by pulling your toes towards your head. Try to raise your legs slowly off the floor.
- After the body has stabilized in this position, gradually straighten the legs.
- Take care not to lose your balance and fall backward.
- Check that the spine and thighs are straight and vertical.
- Try to hold your balance by keeping the core region tight.
- Close your eyes.
- Slowly and deeply inhale.
- Sirsasana concludes with this position. Hold your ultimate posture for a few seconds. Return by flexing your knees and lowering them back to the ground.
- Stay in Savasana for a few seconds. Rest is absolutely crucial for the body and should not be underestimated.
Variations:
What are the Advantages of Sirshasana?
- Stimulating the pineal, hypothalamic, and pituitary glands' functions. This improves the functioning and coordination of all endocrine glands.
- Improving the body's ability to maintain balance through nervous system stimulation
- Conditioning the brain, eyes, and ears as a result of safely raised blood pressure
- Memory and concentration enhancement
- Aiding in the management of mental tiredness, sadness, and anxiety
- Improving the central nervous system's performance
- Muscles in the back, shoulders, and arms are strengthened.
- Aids in the circulation of blood to the scalp, hence avoiding hair loss, greying, and baldness.
- The breath is deepened and calmed.
Who should not attempt Sirshasana?
Sirshasana should be avoided if any of the given situations exist:
- Children under the age of seven are at risk because their skulls are not entirely fused, are not hardened enough, and are prone to injury.
- Some yoga teachers advise menstruating women to avoid headstands since they may experience cramps or nausea in the first few days.
- Pregnant women should skip the yoga Headstand posture since falling out of the pose for any reason might be dangerous.
- If you have glaucoma, you should prevent this yoga pose since it can raise eye pressure.
- The Headstand practice should be discouraged if you suffer from severe headaches or serious migraines.
- People with neck and shoulder problems should avoid doing headstands until the injury has healed completely.
- People with high blood pressure should avoid all inversions, including this one.
- This should be avoided for people who have significant cardiac conditions.
- People with osteoporosis should avoid this yoga pose as well.
What are common mistakes people do while practicing Sirshasana?
It is a common observation that many people perform Sirshasana incorrectly. They are either hurt or in pain as a result of common blunders. Therefore, if you are conscious of these frequent mistakes, you will be able to avoid extra effort and suffering throughout your yoga practice. The following are the most typical faults in the yoga Headstand pose that cause instability, discomfort, and sometimes injury:
- Putting the hips behind the shoulders
- Too-wide elbows
- Incorrect head location
- Breathing too quickly or holding the breath
- Loss of the spine's natural curvature
Conclusion:
To summarise, Sirshasana is a beneficial yoga pose when performed correctly, safely, and for the appropriate amount of time. This yoga practice should not put you under any unnecessary mental or physical strain. It is recommended that you learn how to do a Sirshasana from a qualified and certified yoga trainer who has personal experience and a thorough grasp of the pose.
Have fun at Sirshasana!
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided solely for educational reasons and is not intended to replace the medical treatment provided by a healthcare professional. Because each person's needs are different, the reader should check with their doctor to see if the information is appropriate for them.
