LexiYoga

Headstand - Salamba Sirsasana

Headstand is one of the best things you could possibly do for yourself. It brings health and vitality to the body, as it calms and soothes the mind and spirit. Inversions are great for the heart. The heart works hard to send blood to the brain and the sensory organs. When being upside down, the heart can rest because everything is in reverse. If you are practicing for the first time, it can be quite scary, as it can create fear. Once you overcome the fear, you can enjoy the heavenly benefits of this pose.

headstand

Benefits of Headstand

Reversing the pull of gravity increases blood flow into the brain cells with little effort from the heart. This has rejuvenating affects to the mind. It sharpens your memory, thinking power and increases mental alertness and clarity. It also stimulates the nervous system, which is great for those suffering any sleep disorders if practiced regularly.

With the proper blood supply to the brain, the hormonal glands are stimulated. The pituitary and pineal glands are responsible for growth and sex hormones. These glands control the chemical balance of the body. Our health and vitality can improve dramatically if these hormones are balanced.

Being upside down in headstand strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms and spine. With regular practice it helps prevent buildup of fluid in the legs and feet. This is because blood and lymph fluid is reversed from the legs and ankles.

Headstand is great for people suffering from constipation. The pull of gravity does wonders to our organs, especially the intestines and reproductive system. It massages and cleanses the organs, and helps overcome liver problems.

This pose helps improve posture as it aligns the spine. The weight of the abdominal organs on the diaphragm promotes deep breathing. The lungs get nourished with fresh oxygen. This helps relieve colds, coughs, asthma, headaches, anxiety and diabetes.

To benefit from this pose to the fullest, you need to stay in it for at least 3-5 minutes. Those who are pregnant or have high blood pressure should avoid inversions and headstand.

Being upside does wonders for your whole body, inside and out. It eliminates toxin causing substances and nourishes cells in the face, muscles and skin. Therefore making you look younger. You will notice the way you feel after trying an inversion immediately. You will love the benefits that this pose offers.

Steps for Headstand

(You can do this pose against a wall)

  1. Place your forearms with your fingers interlocked and elbows in front of knees on the mat.
  2. Place the crown of your head between the interlocked fingers. Wrap the hands around the head to make a firm support to protect your head.
  3. Lift the knees and buttocks off the floor and straighten the legs.
  4. Slowly walk the feet as close as possible to the head. Transfer your body weight from the toes on the head and arms, maintaining balance.
  5. Raise one leg at a time, to reach the wall.
  6. Slowly straighten the whole body, as it should be in one straight line, with your feet relaxed.
  7. Close your eyes and relax in this pose.
  8. When done return to the starting position.

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