How To: Yoga Headstand

Yoga headstand (Sirsasana) is one of the first inversions that you’ll learn as you move beyond downward dog or shoulder stand and begin to turn yourself upside down in your yoga practice. I found this video on YouTube and thought that you would enjoy it. This tutorial is very well done. Give it a shot and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Why Do Inversions?

The listed benefits of doing inversions are many. I found a couple of good articles about these benefits, and I’ve listed their main talking points below in addition to links to the original articles.

Yoganonymous

10 Benefits of Yoga Inversions

1. Inversions reverse the blood flow in the body and improve circulation
2. Increase immunity and prevent illness
3. Energize
4. Relax
5. Improve balance
6. Increase core strength
7. Build confidence
8. Stay humble
9. Literally give us a new perspective on life
10. Inversions are fun

MindBodyGreen

10 Reasons to Do a Headstand Every Day

1. By reversing the flow of gravity, a headstand simulates a “face lift” by letting your skin hang in the opposite direction.
2. Headstands increase nutrients and blood flow to the scalp, decreasing onset of grey hair.
3. Stimulate and provide refreshed blood to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands.
4. Create more positive thought.
5. It’s great to bust out a headstand at a party.
6. Improved circulation occurs with a headstand practice.
7. Reduce the onset and prevalence of varicose veins.
8. Headstands increase digestive fire and increase body heat.
9. Headstands strengthen deep core muscles.
10. Eliminate your chances of having an ischemic stroke.

Yoga Headstand

Sanskrit: Sirsasana

When I started practicing yoga headstand, I would do it with my heels against the wall. That way, as I learned to balance my body upside down, I could press my heels into the wall in order to prevent myself from falling over. As you develop confidence in your ability, you can slowly move further and further away from the wall until you no longer need it.

Make sure to really root your forearms into your mat, and press up and through the soles of your feet!

As with all challenging poses, it’s best to seek out some personal instruction from a qualified teacher.

Namaste!