10 Benefits of Headstand in Yoga Practice

by bringmebliss | Mar 5, 2015 | Mind/Body

That's me above – at 56-years-young!

One of the reasons I practice yoga is because it reminds me that I can do things – any things – to which I invest mental and physical effort.  It is a discipline that can reap great rewards for your whole being. Also, it is an integral part of my own Self-Care.

Headstand is an advanced yoga pose.  You don't typically do these in basics or beginner classes, although some teachers will coax you into the pose because with proper instruction, it's just not that hard to do.

The main thing to get over is fear that you will hurt yourself or that you might look "foolish" trying to accomplish a pose you're not ready for, but your mind can set you straight.  And the teacher can tell if you're ready.  If you're ready physically and mentally, you can do this pose.

There are many benefits to practicing headstand pose.  The sanskrit word is Sirsasana.  Asana means pose, sirsa refers to the head.

1.  Headstand may increase the blood flow to the brain, improve memory and other functions of the cerebrum. Included in the physiological benefits are the drainage of blood and lymph which are held in reserve in the legs. Any inversion, when the legs are held over the heart, helps to move stored fluids into the core for oxygenation, filtration and elimination of metabolic/cellular wastes.

2.  Headstand can improve circulation.  Because the heart constantly has to pump blood upward to the brain, the headstand gives the heart a rest.  While in headstand, de-oxygenated blood is able to flow more easily from the extremities to the heart.

3.  Headstand stimulates and provides refreshed blood to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These glands are vital to our wellbeing, and are considered the master glands that regulate all other glands in the body (thyroid, pineal, and adrenals). 

4.   Headstand develops the masculine qualities of will power, sharpness of the brain and clarity of thought.  Women need these qualities to carry on their purpose in life which takes some developed muscular and mental strength.

5.   Sirsasana reduces anxiety and stress and enhances self-confidence.  It's really exciting to come into this pose for the first time.  Exhilirating might be a better word.  

6.   Like backbends, this asana is very stimulating and revitalizing.  Headsand stimulates the nervous system, increasing mental power, concentration, clarity, and balance.  This pose takes focus.  

7.   It strengthens the spine, neck, shoulders and arms.

8.   Practicing headstands regularly will tone the core muscles as it takes strong abdominal muscles to lift your legs up towards the sky.

9.   Stimulates lung tissue, relieves colds and coughs, tonsillitis, bad breath and heaert palpitations.

10.  Inverted asanas reverse the action of gravity on the body; instead of everything being pulled towards the feet, the orientation shifts towards the head. Similarly, on the emotional and psychic levels, inverted asanas turn everything upside down, throwing a new light on old patterns of behavior and being. Generally, these practices improve health, reduce anxiety and stress and increase self-confidence. They also increase mental power, concentration and stimulate the chakras.

Here's a bonus benefit!  Headstands are fun!  I consider this inversion part of my play time on the mat.  You can do several different variations, continuously challenging yourself.

It is not recommended to do headstand pose if you have neck or back injuries, extremely high blood pressure, ear and eye problems, if you are menstruating, or have acid reflux, heart palpitations, glaucoma, a detached retina, conjunctivitis, brain disease, brain injury, severe hypotension or hypertension, hiatal hernia or obesity.

Sirsasana is one of the most important asanas in yoga. It revitalizes the entire body and stimulates the mind. It is a centering, calming and soothing pose.  When exiting this pose, always enter into Child's pose to reset the neck and spine.  

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