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Headstand
sirsasana
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Highlights
Balance and stability: Headstand requires a strong sense of balance and stability. By engaging the core muscles and aligning the body, practitioners develop balance and improve their ability to hold the pose.
Total body strength: Performing a Headstand requires strength not only in the shoulders and arms but also in the entire body. The core muscles, including the abdominal muscles and lower back, must be engaged to maintain stability. Additionally, the muscles in the legs and glutes are also activated to support the body in the inverted position. Regular practice of Headstand helps develop overall body strength and muscular endurance.
Mental clarity and focus: Inversions like Headstand are known to have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system. The increased blood flow to the brain can help improve mental clarity, enhance focus, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Reverses the effects of gravity: By inverting the body, Headstand counteracts the effects of gravity on the spine and internal organs. This can provide relief from compression and create space between the vertebrae.
Increased energy and vitality: Inversions are often described as energising and invigorating. Headstand can help increase energy levels and uplift the spirit, making it a beneficial pose to practice when feeling fatigued or sluggish.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem: Mastering Headstand can be a significant achievement, and the sense of accomplishment can boost self-confidence and enhance self-esteem. Overcoming the fear of being upside down can also build mental resilience and courage.
Enhances body awareness: Headstand requires a heightened sense of body awareness and proprioception. Practicing this pose helps develop a greater understanding of the body's alignment and movement, improving overall body awareness.
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Cautions
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Preparation
Forearm Plank: Forearm Plank helps build strength in the core, arms, and shoulders, which are essential for supporting the body in Headstand.
Downward Facing Dog: Downward Dog helps strengthen the upper body and improve shoulder stability. It also helps stretch and open the hamstrings and calves.
Supported Headstand with a Wall: Utilising a wall as a prop can help familiarise the body with the sensation of being upside down and build confidence. Practicing Headstand against a wall provides support and stability while developing the necessary shoulder and core strength.
Inversion Table: Inversion tables can be used to gradually acclimate the body to being inverted. They allow for a controlled and supported inversion experience, helping to build confidence and adapt to the feeling of being upside down.
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana): Shoulder Stand is another excellent pose for preparing for Headstand. It strengthens the shoulders, core, and neck muscles, while also improving coordination and balance.
Hollow Body Hold: The Hollow Body Hold is an abdominal exercise that develops core strength and stability. Practicing this pose helps strengthen the deep core muscles necessary for maintaining balance in Headstand.
Dish Pose: Dish Pose, low Boat Pose, targets the core muscles and builds abdominal strength. It helps develop the necessary stability and control needed for Headstand.
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Cue In
1 Begin in a kneeling position placing your forearms on the mat, around shoulder-width apart, and interlace your fingers.
2 Place the crown of your head on the mat, cupping it gently with your hands, forming a tripod with your forearms and head. Press the base firmly down and lengthen the neck.
3 Walk your feet closer to your face, bending at the hips, until your hips are stacked over your shoulders. Keep your knees bent for now.
4 Engage your core muscles. This will help maintain stability and control throughout the pose.
5 Slowly lift your knees off the ground, shifting your weight onto your forearms. Maintain a firm grip with your hands and engage your shoulder muscles to support your body.
5 As you continue to lift your legs, straighten them one at a time, extending them towards the ceiling. Keep your legs active and engaged.
6 Find balance by engaging your core, maintaining steady breath, and adjusting the distribution of weight between your forearms and head.
7 Maintain a strong foundation through your forearms, shoulders, and core, while simultaneously lengthening upwards through your legs.
“Draw the ribs in”
“Squeeze the legs together”
“Stay engaged throughout the body including the toes”
“Keep lifting up and out of the shoulders”
“Educate on the benefits of the pose”
“Remind them to listen to their body and only attempt Headstand when they feel physically and mentally prepared. Respect their decision if they choose not to try Headstand or if they feel uncomfortable with the pose. Remind them that yoga is a personal journey, and it's important to honour their own limitations and listen to their body's needs.”
“Encourage a gradual approach: Explain that Headstand is an advanced pose and that it's essential to progress gradually. Encourage them to start with preparatory poses and wall-supported headstands to build strength, stability, and confidence.”
“Encourage patience and practice: Remind them that mastering Headstand takes time, patience, and consistent practice. Encourage a non-judgmental approach and remind them to celebrate small milestones along the way. Assure them that progress will come with dedicated effort and that every step counts.”
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Adjustments
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Counter Poses
Child's Pose (Balasana): Child's Pose is a gentle forward fold that stretches the lower back and helps release tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It provides a soothing counterpose to the inversion of Headstand and promotes relaxation.
Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Downward Dog is a great counterpose to inversions as it stretches and lengthens the spine, releases the neck.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Bridge Pose is a backbend that opens the chest, shoulders, and hip flexors. It counteracts the forward folding coming in to Headstand, creating space and expansion in the body.
Fish Pose (Matsyasana): Fish Pose is a gentle backbend that stretches the chest, throat, and neck. It helps counterbalance the forward head position in Headstand and releases tension in the upper body.
Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): Legs Up the Wall is a restorative pose that allows the legs to be elevated, promoting circulation and relaxation. It helps release any residual pressure in the head and shoulders, while also calming the nervous system.
Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): Seated Forward Fold stretches the entire back body, including the hamstrings, lower back, and shoulders. It offers a counterpose to the inverted position and helps release tension in the spine.
Variations
"See the variations,
simple to complex"
1 One Leg Straddle: Get a feel for headstand with only one leg in the air and stretch the inner thighs and hamstrings while you're at it.
2 One Leg Split: Similar to 1, but the extended leg is positioned in-front rather than to the side, creating a stretch for the legs (hamstrings of raised leg and hip flexors, quads of the other.)
3 Supported Headstand: Pushing through the forearms can reduce the amount of weight through the head and neck.
4 Tripod Headstand Crow: Less 'scary' as you're closer to the floor.
5 Tripod Half Crow Half Pike: More strength required, lifting one leg off the arm.
6 Tuck: Again more core intense now both legs are hovering and being pulled down by gravity.
7 Tripod: Total body strength and coordination, balancing and aligning the position.
8 Straddle: Providing a stretch for the inner thighs and core strength to hover the legs.
9 Pike: Requires flexibility in the hamstrings and a strong core to hover the legs.
10 Tuck Twist: Extra work for the obliques.
11 Straight Leg Twist: More weight pulling down with the legs straight makes it a stronger variation than the tick.
12 Splits: It requires significant flexibility in the hamstrings, hips, and quads.
13 Figure 4: Providing a hip-opening stretch.
14 Bound Angle: Stretches inner thighs.
15 Scorpion: Creating a backbend or front stretch.
16 Stag: An asymmetrical backbend.
17 Fork Lift: A little more weight through the head.
18 Twisted Stag: Similar to Stag, but twisted the spine. Any extra movement challenges balance and requires control of the body.
19 Twisted Split: Similar to Splits, but twist the spine.
20 Lotus: It requires significant hip flexibility (external rotation) Not accessible to all.
21 Elbow: More challenging to balance with less contact with the floor.
22 Wide: The hands create a tight rope line with the head, which makes it very challenging to balance.
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