SIRSHASANA (THE HEADSTAND)

The Headstand is called the King of all asanas because of having tremendous benefits for the body and the mind. All our physical and mental activities are governed by the brain which is the seat of intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, discrimination and power. As the Headstand increases the blood flow to the brain it revitalises the entire body and the mind and also regenerates the nervous system. When the reversed flow of blood goes into the legs it helps to regenerate the tissues. During the practice of the Headstand the deep exhalation is happening as the effect of the weight of the abdominal organs on the diaphragm which causes the larger amounts of carbon dioxide and toxins out of the lungs.

Practice of this asana provides the feeling of equilibrium and well-being and it increases memory and concentration.

The Headstand inverts the pattern of blood pressure in the body increasing it in the head and dropping it in the feet:

The blood pressure at the top of the head increases from 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position to 150/110 mm Hg in the Headstand The blood pressure of the feet in a standing position will be about 210/170 mm Hg; and it will drop to 40/0 mm Hg in the Headstand. The blood pressure will remain the same at 120/80 mm Hg at heart level.

Three Important Reasons you should not do headstand:

(1)However, one of the most important reasons for not coming to the Headstand is when you have High Blood Pressure. Check with your doctor if you are fit to do this pose.

(2)Another reason to avoid the Headstand is when you have weak eye blood vessels or any eye problems. By ignoring your conditions you put your health at risk.

(3)Headstand is better avoided during menstruation and pregnancy. You do not want to feel heavy after your yoga class, so please relax and let others to struggle with this demanding pose.

Issued in interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.