Sirsasana, or the Head Stand pose, is considered to be one of the most beneficial yoga postures for both the body and the mind. Reversing the pull of gravity on the body contributes to resting the heart, improving overall blood circulation, and releasing back pain. It is also felt that the headstand allows the internal organs to relieve themselves of the pressure placed on them by daily activities and the effects of gravity, thus serving as a period of relaxation and resetting.
Illustration of the Headstand
In order to get to this position you first have to kneel down and rest your weight on your forearms. Wrap your hands around your elbows and maintain the position for a few seconds. Then, release your hands and place them in front of your body, with your fingers interlocked.
Place the top of your head on the floor, while the back of your head stays in your hands. Thus, the inverted body can have a firm foundation made of the hands and the elbows, which form a tripod. Once you got to this position, you can straighten the knees and slowly raise your hips.
Try to bring your feet into a position as close to your head as possible without having to bend the knees.
Your head should be in a straight line with the spine and your hips should be pulled in such a way that your neck does not bend either backward or forward.
Then, bend your knees into your chest and gradually lift your feet off the floor, while slowly moving the hips backwards. It is recommended to take a short break and not immediately raise the knees higher. Using your abdominal muscles, you are ready to lift your bended knees towards the ceiling. Now you can slowly place your legs in a straight position. Normally, most of the body's weight is felt on the forearms. In order to safely come down in the original position, reverse the steps.
