Shirshasana (Headstand)
Shirsha means head in Sanskrit. The posture of standing on the head has been named Shirshasana.In Indian languages, the head is also called ‘Shirsha’. It is a Sanskrit language word. The topmost end is also called the apex. The place of the head in the body is at the top and also prominent. For about 16 hours a day, we face the Earth’s gravity only by keeping our heads up.
Thousands of years ago Maharishi Patanjali discovered the easy process to free the body from the burden of gravity after knowing the secret of nature, that is to do asanas considering the head as the support. That is why this asana is called ‘Shirshasana’.
The highest position that the head has in terms of the body, that highest position is also of Shirshasana in Yogasanas. That is why it is said that Shirshasana is the king of all Yogasanas.
Literal meaning: Top here means from the front of the head. In this, the seeker does asana from the front of the head, hence it is called Shirshasana.
Meditation: Meditate on natural breathing.
For new seekers: Since the weight of the whole body falls on the head, fold a thick blanket under the head.
How to do Shirshasana (Headstand)
1.) Sit in Vajrasana.
2.) Leaning the head towards the front, rest the upper plane of the front part of the head on the blanket.
3.) Keep the fingers of both the hands trapped in each other and make a circle near the head, now gradually lifting the waist while giving weight towards the head.
4.) (In such a situation, half the weight of the body will be towards the head and half the weight towards the feet) In the same sequence, now while trying to keep the full weight of the body on the front of the head, raise both the knees up.
5.) Slowly stretch one leg straight towards the sky and make the other leg upward while maintaining balance. This position is called Shirshasana.
6.) If you cannot do it alone, take the support of a helper or a corner wall.
7.) Wait for a while as per compatibility.
8.) While coming back to the original position, bend the knees, bend the waist and keep the feet back on the ground.
9.) In the position of full posture, the condition of breathing will be natural.
10.) Do kumbhaka by inhaling while doing asana and do kumbhaka while coming back.
Benefits of Shirshasana (Headstand)
• Shirshasan has also been called the king of asanas. This asana rejuvenates the body.
• Due to daily practice, healthy and pure blood starts flowing in the veins of the brain, due to which mental weakness and brain related diseases gradually start to fade away.
• This asana increases ooze, sharpness and glow of the face.
• Since blood is purified by the practice of this asana, untimely graying of hair, hair fall and skin related diseases are cured.
• Eliminates facial wrinkles while giving youth.
• Eye related defects are removed. Makes the eyes beautiful.
• A person’s life is filled with enthusiasm and enthusiasm by this asana.
• Destroys all types of air disorders.
• This asana is also appropriate for hysteria and epilepsy and provides balance to the fickle mind.
• Regularize the person suffering from paralysis under proper care and orderly.
• Asthma and tuberculosis can be cured by regular practice.
• removes parentheses.
• By suppressing the disorder of sex, this sex power remains intact.
• Takes proper care of the abdominal region and the reproductive system.
• All mental disorders get as much benefit as possible.
Precautions of Shirshasana (Headstand)
1.) New practitioner should not do Shirshasana alone.
2.) If you take support of the wall, do it at a distance of 2 or 3 inches from the wall, otherwise it will have the opposite effect on the stomach or back.
3.) Don’t rush or else you will get neck or back pain.
4.) Keep the body completely straight in this posture, so that it can get stability and firmness.
5.) Both the feet should be parallel vertically towards the sky.
6.) New practitioner should do only 30 seconds in the beginning.
7.) After the exercise, stretch both legs straight upwards with a light jerk.
8.) Be sure to practice Sarvangasana before Shirshasana.
9.) After Shirshasana, do Tadasana and Shavasana.
10.) Avoid these postures in the beginning with high blood pressure and low blood pressure.
11.) Those suffering from heart disease, dizziness, vertigo etc. should not use this asana.
Frequently Asked Questions
what are benefits of shirshasana?
(1) This posture gives strength to the nerves of the body. (2) It also purifies the blood. (3) Increases mental power. (4) A person's life is filled with enthusiasm and enthusiasm by this asana. (5) All mental disorders get as much benefit as possible. (6) Hair problem improves.
Is shirshasana good for hair?
Shirshasana improves blood circulation in the scalp which helps in reducing hair fall, thinning of hair and baldness. This asana helps in the growth of new hair and prevents graying of hair. Thus improves hair growth.
How long should I hold shirshasana?
In the beginning, Shirshasana should be practiced for 30 seconds. Then only after a few days you can increase its time.
Why is shirshasana king of all asanas?
In Indian languages, the head is also called 'Shirsha'. It is a Sanskrit language word. The highest position that the head has in terms of the body, the same highest position is given to Shirshasana in Yogasanas. That is why it is said that Shirshasana is the king of all Yogasanas.
What will happen if I do shirshasana everyday?
Irritability of nature, intolerance, weakness of memory, mental imbalance etc. mental diseases also bring substantial benefits. By making the mind focused, optimistic and full of enthusiasm, it inspires to create new records in the behavioral world.
Which time is best for Shirshasan?
Shirshasan should always be done only in the morning, that too after defecation.
Does shirshasana increase brain power?
When you do Shirshasana, the blood circulation of the body is faster towards your head. This makes the brain more capable of doing its work smoothly.
