JÉRÔME LAHORE IS THE MAN ON THE MAT
Headstand (Sirsasana)
Sirsasana or headstand is the king of asanas.
Benefits
- Headstand increases the flow of blood in the brain and therefore calms and rejuvenates the mind.
- Relieves stress and mild depression.
- Strengthens the core, arms and shoulders by improving the upper body strength, and muscle endurance.
- Improves digestion (gravity effect).
Tips
- If you are scared by inversion you should start with Shoulderstand or Salamba Sarvangasana first which will teach you how to lift your body up and will reduce your fear of disorientation.
- Foundation: Interlace the fingers and tuck the little fingers. Place your head into the clasped hands. Make sure that there isn’t a lot of pressure on the head by pushing up from the shoulders.
- head by pushing up from the shoulders. n Straighten your legs like in Downward Dog and start to walk the heels towards the head (warm up your hamstrings first) until your tailbone is facing the sky.
- Lift your feet off the floor by using your core. You may also bring both knees towards the chest and once you feel stable start to straighten the legs.
Common Mistakes
- Hands and elbows too wide.
- Don’t put too much pressure on the head.
- Keep your spine straight.
- Don’t bring hips behind the shoulders.
Awareness
First don’t forget to breathe! Sirsasana (Headstand) is the king pose so don’t start with this pose without prior yoga experience. You need to warm up and enter into the position with humility and kindness. Be sure to not collapse all your weight on the neck and the head. Once you are in the position place your gaze on the nose. Rest in Child’s Pose 5 to 10 breaths before lifting up.
Jérôme Lahore is director of Inhale Yoga (inhaleyoga.sg) and offers private and corporate yoga classes in Singapore.
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