Sirasana is one of the challenging poses but is considered the most important inversion which gives a reason to refer it as the King Pose. Read the article to know all about Sirasana – Head Stand Pose.

“Sirsasana the King of all asana and the reason are not hard to find.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

Asanas are one of the essential parts of yoga practice which includes an array of poses and comes loaded with certain health benefits. When we refer to poses like Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand), we just think of how challenging these poses are. Referred to as the King and Queen of Yoga Poses, according to ancient yogis these asanas are a pair and an important inversion.

According to the ancient text, these poses are considered foundational asanas on which the yoga practice should be built to bring health and vitality to the practitioner.

Discussing the King Pose, Sirsasana explains that territory or Kingdom can’t thrive without a strong king, and a person cannot grow without a healthy head or brain.  Likewise, your practice is incomplete without mastering the pose that benefits the mind and body profoundly.

What is Sirsasana or Headstand?

The King of Yoga Poses, Sirsasana has been derived from a Sanskrit word, ‘Sirsa’ meaning head and ‘asana’ meaning pose. The asana exhibits strength, control, and balances the mind and body. The pose is complex and entails complete inversion of the body letting blood return to the heart and brain reenergizing the cardiovascular and lymphatic system. The asana is an advanced level Vinyasa pose and also used to redirect the sexual energies into spiritual energy increasing overall wellness.

How to Practice Sirasana?

It is essential to build body strength before performing the pose using various other strength building yoga poses.

Steps to Perform:

• Start by kneeling down on the floor, and then bend forward placing the elbows on the mat below and slightly wider than the shoulders.
• Now move your arms to interlace the fingers, forearms, elbows, and back of the hand should be touching the mat.
• Now bring down the crown of the head to the mat.
• Now straighten your legs slowly and gently bring it up in a straight line with the head.
• Keep your back straight and breathe normally.
• Ensure that you’re not putting much strain on the neck and head.
• Hold the pose for as long as you can.

Benefits of Regular Practice of Headstand

Improves Circulation

The inversion pose of Sirasana increases the blood flow to the brain which stimulates the pituitary gland. This revitalizes the mind and nervous system.

Alleviates Anxiety

The pose is known to bestow profound benefits to people with anxiety and other nervous disorders. Sirasana alleviates anxiety and prevents mental illness.

Calms the Mind

Though challenging, but once you master the pose it proves to be extremely beneficial to your mind. The pose calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and cure mild depression owing to the intense stretching provided by the pose.

Strengthens the Torso

The pose requires a lot of muscles involvement of the neck, shoulders, arms, back and abdomen area which support the pose balancing the body weight. This strengthens and revitalizes the entire body especially the torso. It also makes the internal organs strong like lungs, abdominal organs, etc.

Improves Reproductive System Functioning

The pose strengthens and stimulates the abdominal organ enhancing the function of the reproductive system and help to cure infertility. The pose also relieves menstrual and menopause symptoms.

Others: The pose stimulates pineal and pituitary glands, cures sinusitis, and relieves asthma.

Precaution

• Make sure you have enough muscle strength before you perform the pose.
• People with blood pressure issue should avoid practice.
• People with headaches, a blood disorder, brain disorder, haemorrhaging should avoid the pose.
• People with, neck injury or eye condition like weak eye capillaries, cataracts or conjunctivitis should not perform the pose.
• Pregnant and menstruating women better avoid this asana practice.

All the stated benefits of the pose give a clear picture as to why Sirasana is known as the King Pose. Practice it regularly to reap the benefits.