What is Head Stand Pose (Shirshasana) and its Benefits?

In yoga sequence, there are many inversions pose that helps to stimulates the flow of blood towards the head.  So, many yoga novices searched about what is the Head Stand Pose (Shirshasana) and the benefits of the Head Stand Pose. Here we will gain knowledge about this excellent most advanced and challenging yoga posture. When you achieve these poses and maintain the hold on these inversion poses it will give you the sense of accomplishment or achievement. These poses help to encourages the physical wellbeing and boost your self-confidence.

What is the Head Stand Pose (Shirshasana)

Head Stand Pose (Shirshasana) most advanced yoga posture that should be done under the guidance. This is the most popular yoga asana that contains many health benefits. It involves the balance of body in the crown of head. Shirshasana requires the proper balance and strength in the body to perform this asana. Head Stand Pose (Shirshasana) speed up the flow of the blood to opposite direction towards the brain.

Shirshasana come from the sanskrit phrase where shirsa means. “head” and asana means, “posture”. In this asana, you will balance your body on your head. It is the king of all inversion poses.

How to Perform Shirshasana?

This pose requires mental and physical focus to perform this pose. This is the advance and challenging pose should done under the guidance of yoga instructor.

Here is the step by step instructions of Head Stand Pose:

  1. Start this asana with kneeling position with both the knee touch on floor.
  2. Now, interlock your both hands fingers.
  3. Placing the forearms on the floor and creating a stable base.
  4. Gently place the crown of your head on the floor by keeping your neck comfortable.
  5. Your head balancing by your interlocked fingers for support.
  6. Now, slowly lift your knees  off the floor and straightening your legs.
  7. Walk your feet closer to the head.
  8. Slowly raise your legs, bringing them together and straight.
  9. Engage your core and balance.
  10. Keeping your body in a straight line.
  11. Breathing softly and  maintain the balance by holding this position.
  12. To release this posture, lowering your legs slowly and return to the starting position.

What are the Benefits Head Stand Pose (Shirshasana)?

This Pose offers several physical and mental benefits.

Here are some key benefits of Head Stand Pose are discussed below:

  • Improves Core Strength: This pose engages the core muscles by balancing the body in upside down position. It requires a lot of strength and balance to hold this pose. This will enhance the overall strength in our body.
  • Enhances Balance: While practicing this asana. You will balance your body by your head. It will help to improve the balance and coordination of the mind and body.
  • Boosts Circulation: Inversion position of the body in this pose help to increase the flow of blood towards the brain. It will speed up the circulation and oxygen supply to the mind and heart. This will enhance the mental power and focus.
  • Strengthens Upper Body: This pose helps to strengthen your body by balancing your body weight. This will strengthen our neck, head, shoulders. Arms and whole upper body.
  • Promotes Mental Focus: This pose helps to encourage the mental focus, awareness, balance and concentration power, if we regular practice this asana.
  • Improves Posture: Strengthens the muscles of the back and neck that promotes better posture over time.
  • Stimulates the Lymphatic System: The inversion helps promote detoxification by stimulating lymph flow. This will protect you from infection and keep a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body.
  • Boosts Confidence: When you hold your body in this pose, this will enhance your confidence and will power.

Contraindications of Head Stand Pose:

Shirshasana is the powerful yoga pose, it has many health benefits. But this is not suitable for everyone. There are some contraindication to be aware before performing this asana:

  • If you have a neck problem, shoulder injury, glaucoma or eye Conditions, spinal issue or any other injuries you should avoid this asana.
  • Pregnant women should avoid this asana, as it will be risky for both mother and baby.
  • If you have a certain mental health condition, you must consult your doctor to perform head stand pose.
  • Without sufficient core and upper body strength, it can be dangerous to attempt a headstand.