Preparations for headstand
Sirsasana, and its variations, are considered the king of asanas within the Iyengar tradition. Inversions in general are the main staple of Iyengar yoga, which is included in all sequencing of a healthy practice.
The reasons both physically and mentally can not be overstated.
Initially, everyone wants to try headstand but a warning to those of you without a regular asana practice – we teach shoulder-stand first for a good reason. Shoulder-stand (arm balance) along with Halasana (Plough) teaches your body how to be upside down and further build the awareness one needs to sustain a head-balance, safely.
Required for any inversion but in particular, Sirsasana, is shoulder and arm strength, along with mobility. Additionally, the important upward lift of the legs is learned, activated, and refined in standing poses. The stability of the pelvis working together with these other areas aids to balance as required.
So why should you bother & invest the time…?
When our spine is strengthened, our heart receives more oxygen, our lungs clear, and peace of mind follows as a result.
Head Stand for the Immune System
Inversions are also the main cornerstones in the activation of the immune system, responsible for the lymphatic system doing its job to remove toxins. The main organs of the lymph system are the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. They are responsible for moving toxins and waste as well as directing the white blood cells (which attack infection) where they can do the best. Due to our “new normal” as a result of the global pandemic, this is more relevant than ever.
Contraindications and Cautions
If you are experiencing neck, or eye issues, inversions will most likely be contraindicated, please speak to your doctor or teacher first. The neck muscles like any muscle must be strengthened in a balanced way for the safety of your long-term health. I have spoken to many students that started practicing in a system that encouraged Sirsasana as a raw beginner, and the results were not positive. Further contradictions and cautions when thinking of practicing headstands may be headaches, heart conditions, high blood pressure, menstruation, pregnancy & low blood pressure.
Take your time to build up and enjoy the benefits of long-term inversion practice.
How do you eat an elephant…? One bite at a time!
Namaste, Kathy
This sequence includes:
Sirsasana with Blocks ( Headstand with Blocks )
Sirsasana with Chair ( Headstand with Chair )
Sirsasana in the Corner Wall ( Headstand in the Corner Wall )
Sirsasana with Two Chair ( Headstand with Two Chair )
Sirsasana with Wall ( Headstand with Wall )