Benefits of Headstand - Salamba Sirsasana

Recently a student asked why I liked doing headstand.  I am never good at spur of the moment answers to think of all the benefits, but what came to mind immediately was confidence.  I always feel more confident in myself after coming down from headstand.  There are of course many other benefits.  Mr. Iyengar says that Salamba Sirsasana (supported headstand) gives one balance and poise, both physically and mentally.

This pose is called the king of all asanas.  In Light on Yoga, Mr. Iyengar describes how the skull encases the brain, which controls the nervous system and the organs of sense.  The brain is the seat of intelligence, knowledge, discrimination, wisdom and power.  Inversions help to support the body and clear the mind.

Turning ourselves upside down allows for more blood to flow to the brain cells, rejuvenating them, increasing our thinking power and clarifying our thoughts.  Proper blood supply to the brain helps to balance the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain.

The circulatory system also benefits from this pose helping people to resist getting colds, coughs, tonsillitis, cures halitosis, decreases palpitations and increases warmth to the body.

The digestive system improves with this posture and can help those who suffer from constipation when done along with Salamba Sarvangasana ( supported shoulderstand).

So although inversions like headstand can be a bit intimidating they are important poses that can have a great effect on our well being when done with proper alignment and care.

Cautions:  Do not practice this pose if you have high blood pressure, cervical spondylosis, backache, headache, during menstruation or pregnancy.  Do not start with this pose if you have low blood pressure.

Namaste.
Pam Nelson

http://www.plnyoga.vpweb.com/