The headstand, like any inverted posture, has a beneficial effect on the entire body. It has a rejuvenating effect, strengthens the neck and arms, and can also lower blood pressure. This position should be mastered gradually, guided by some recommendations for implementation.
In classical yoga, asana means a posture of the body, which should be performed steadily and without tension.
Sirshasana, or "royal pose" as it is also commonly called the headstand among yogis, is one of the most powerful asanas in yoga practice. This pose is on the list of difficult ones, therefore, it requires some preparation and adherence to the rules of execution. There are also some contraindications for headstands.
Don't rush
In most cases, an attempt to master this position does not give results and the main reason for this is haste. Trying to stand on your head in jerks, it is impossible to understand the mechanism of this asana.
It should be mastered gradually. Better to start against the wall. You need to sit on your knees and put your hands in front of you on the floor. The position of the hands should resemble an isosceles triangle, with one palm placed on top of the other.
This hand position is the foundation in sirshasana. It helps to fix the head and thus prevent injury.
With your head on the floor with your hands in place, try to straighten your knees and shift your weight upside down. To do this, you need to move your legs closer to your head. This will be enough for your neck for the first time. Dedicate a few sessions to the first step. When you feel confident taking the first position, you can go further.
The next step is to learn how to lift your feet off the surface. To do this, it is necessary to completely shift the body weight upside down - then it will be easy to raise your legs without jerking. Standing on your head, do not immediately straighten your legs - try to find balance with your legs bent at the knees, and feel this position. Once you have mastered the second step, you can move on to a headstand with straight legs. And when the inner readiness appears, begin to perform shirshasana without a wall.
The headstand can be done every day for up to 10 minutes. After leaving, putting your feet on the floor, be sure to perform a light head massage: movements should be directed from the sides to the center. Collect your hair in advance so that it does not interfere with you while in the asana. If you are exercising without an instructor, film the headstand to determine for yourself how well you are doing it.
The benefit of sirshasana is that it lowers blood pressure. If you need to normalize it after the asana, you can make a bridge as a counter-pose.
Contraindications
As with any inverted posture, sirshasana is not recommended for women during critical days. Also, the headstand is contraindicated for people with cardiovascular diseases and problems with the spine in the cervical spine.
