Sirsasana, or head pose, is known for its several benefits and “King of all postures.” There are many reasons, like curing vertigo and effects on digestion, because of which it can’t be denied as king. Every yogasana has proven benefits and is adapted from the ancient texts via different versions and philosophical values.
The sirsasana is not limited to the head region; it also affects the endocrine system of the body. There are ancient texts that show their ancient values in the form of protecting immunity or the essence of life. It gives long-lasting benefits when performed with breathing consciousness.
What is Sirsasana or Headstand Pose?
Performing any yoga asana is recommended with an empty stomach. The headstand is an inverted yoga pose that reverses the effects of gravity, significantly improving blood circulation to the head and brain. The pose is supported by hands & arms on the floor, and it is known for increasing the concentration of the mind.
The redistribution of blood or energising our head is the primary function of this yoga pose. In (ancient Hindu text, it is mentioned as a proven way to save “Ojas”, which is stored in the pituitary gland according to some texts. Ojas is the essence of vitality, which gives immunity, strength, mental clarity, and spiritual glow.
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How to Perform Sirsasana: Information About Sirsasana?
Before performing sirsasana, it is necessary to check proper body balance. Use a mat for proper standing posture, and don’t force yourself. If you don’t have a yoga mentor, it will be tough to start, but you have to be patient. In the beginning, you can take support, but later depend on yourself only. You can also practise downward dog and other similar poses to get stability. It is necessary to engage your core while performing asanas.
- Interlock your fingers and place them on the mat in a kneeling position.
- You have to put your hand on the mat between the interlocked fingers like a cradled hip on a horse.
- Now lift your hips, and if you are losing balance, then take support from the wall.
- Straighten your legs in an upper position and try to hold the position.
- Slowly stabilise your legs in a vertical position upto 30-40 seconds.
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Sirsasana Benefits- What are the Benefits of Headstand?
There are numerous headstand benefits, like maintaining balance and stimulating the cerebellum part of the brain for voluntary actions. The abstract shows variations in the benefits of the Sirsaasana, but there is no particular strong line. The king of all postures benefits different internal organs in various ways. Here are mentioned sirsasana yoga benefits:
Balance of Hormones
It is one of the most prominent benefits of sirsasana. The pituitary gland is the “master gland of the body”, as per the biology books, and headstand stimulates its function. Growth hormones, secondary sex hormones in females, and thyrotropin-releasing or inhibiting hormones are controlled by the same gland. Sirsasana, or headstand, controls all its functions.
Powerful Immunity Booster
The mentioned word “ojas” is related to immunity and increasing potential in various works. It is a belief system in Ayurveda (Ancient Indian Medical Science) that ojas is prevented from destruction with this practice. Various arts and scriptures are showing the same thing in temples about ojas or immunity protection.
Mind-Body Awareness
Various involuntary and voluntary functions of the mind control our physical body. They are related to the nervous control of our system. Most of the time, with age, there is a deviation in nervous control. Headstand maintains balance that controls the mind and body.
Blood Circulation
Although blood supply to the head region is controlled in different ways it increasing it for oxygenation is always a beneficial procedure. If blood circulation improves in the brain, nerve functions get calming effects and make new connections or interneuronal pathways.
Curing Fluid Retention in the Lower Body Portion
There are recent cases of synovitis in various joints and fluid retention in some cases. These are a result of the severe problems, like genetic inflammatory diseases. In these cases, sirsasana helps in relieving pain and symptoms of fluid retention.
Overall Growth of the Body
Growth is affected by genes, hormones and the nutritional value of any person. Sirsasana influences physical stretch, hormonal factors and cleaning of the different passages to increase the flow of blood. Thus, it is proven as beneficial in various growth of the bones. There are many scientific studies related to the effects of the sirsasana on the growth and height of the body.
Improves the Flexibility of the Body
Flexibility depends on the stretch poses, and during most of the “Hatha Yoga Asana,” there is an automatic increase in flexibility.
Contraindications of the Head Down Pose
There are many reasons not to perform sirsasana, some of which are commonly noticed in the age group of 35 to 55 years. They are related to the blood circulation and direction of the blood flow. The common condition in which most of the yoga poses are not good is pregnancy. Here are some other contraindications:
- Pregnant women
- A person with high blood pressure disorders
- Accidental cases recent
- Patients with cardiac issues
- Neck or spinal injuries
- Ear problems or pain
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Bottom Lines
Sirsasana or headstand is known for its hormonal, emotional and spiritual benefits for the patients. There are many benefits with some contraindications, for heart patients. It is better to practice the pose with some support in the beginning and get perfect with time. It is healthy to perform, and an advanced practitioner may increase the time.