Shirshasana (Headstand)

When performing this asana, the body is inverted, with the top of the head on ground and the legs up in the air, and hence called Shirshasana (Headstand Pose). (Shirsha = Head)

This asana is called the king of asanas. It is also known as ‘Kapaliasana’, ‘Vrukshasana’ and ‘Viparitakarani’.

Procedure for Shirshasana (Headstand Pose):

• Interlock the fingers of the hands and put them on the floor.

• Now place the top of the head on the clasped hands between the elbows. Raise the legs slowly. In the beginning, keep the legs raised for five to fifteen seconds. Increase fifteen seconds every week. Later, practice this asana for half an hour.

• Practice keeping the legs rose as shown in the images. Do the exercise patiently with caution. Keep the heels of the legs upwards in the direction of the sky. Breathe in the normal way. Then slowly lower the legs.

• Shirshasana should be practiced only on an empty stomach. If time permits, perform Shirshasana twice a day, morning and evening. 

• Practice very slowly without jerks. While standing on the head, breathe slowly. Breathe through the nose and never through the mouth. A beginner should take the help of someone to keep the legs steady and straight or take the legs steady and straight or take the support of a wall for the practice of this asana. 

• Shirshasana should not be practiced for longer time in summer. In winter, one can spare as much time as possible for the practice of this asana. It matters little if an aspirant keeps his eyes open or closed while practicing this asana. But if the duration for the practice of this asana is long, it is better to keep the eyes closed. 

• This will enable one to meditate. After the completion of this asana, relax for five minutes. One should necessarily take a cup of milk or light snacks after taking complete rest.

• Note:  Shirshasana should invariably be followed by Shavasana for rest.

Advantages of Shirshasana (Headstand Pose):

• Increase blood circulation in brain and improve brain function and memory

• Cure Insomnia (Suffering from sleeping disorder)

• Improves digestion

• Those suffering from liver disease, headache, poor blood circulation, this asana is very beneficial

• Cures spine problems

• Improves concentration

• Relaxes the mind

• Help to improve mental balance

• Good for increasing memory

• Releases anxiety

• Stimulate and regulates all the body systems.

• Brings fresh blood to the brain

• Rests the heart by using gravity to stimulate venous return

• Relieves pressure from the veins in the lower body (varicose veins)

• Encourages deeper breathing, therefore strengthens the lungs and increases one's vitality

Therapeutic Applications:

• Many forms of nervous and glandular disorder, especially those related to the reproductive system.

• Varicose veins

• Anxiety

• Anger management

• Recommended for the prevention of asthma, hay fever, diabetes, menopausal imbalance, headaches and migraine

             Yoga Asanas on Sitting Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Head Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Supine Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Hand Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Abdominal Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Leg Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Kneeling Positions