head stand

Now that the complete postmortem had been done of the question – let’s go to see its answer.

First let’s see what ‘sirsasan’ is. It’s called the ‘Head stand’ in yoga. It is part of Hatha-yoga and is unanimously called ‘The king of Asanas’. See the picture below to understand how it’s done.

Now, what are its benefits?

    

          Brain is the main centre that controls all the parts of the body. And yet the blood and oxygen that reaches it is very less. No doubt, it doesn’t work to its optimal capacity. This posture automatically address this issue as the brain or head is down and the rest of the body up – the blood immediately rushes to the brain. It gets good amount of oxygen and thereby it benefits all other parts of the body. 

      

      Then what are the rules for not doing it and for doing it?

First let’s see when and by whom it should not be done –

   

      Initially it shouldn’t be done for more than 30 sec and that too under the supervision of a ‘qualified yoga master’ only. Don’t try it on your own. The harm caused by it is more than the benefit it gives – if not properly done. It is a very dangerous asana and hence only taught as an advanced asana – not in the first few weeks of joining yoga classes.

 

          Though it looks as if the head is taking the weight of the entire body, it’s the neck that kbears the weight of the entire body. So, people with spondylytis and such neck issues cannot and should not attempt it. They can having once over the years with the practice of other asanas like ‘sarpasan’, ‘bhujangasan’, ‘dhanursasan’ et like strengthened the neck and shoulder muscles. People with weak spine and such issues like disc-prolapse, slip disc shouldn’t attempt it

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         Hands also have to be strengthened before attempting this asana as we use our palms and hands to go into this posture.

 

         It is preferable to do this asana under the guidance of ‘yoga master’ for few months regularly and till you’ve raised it to ‘10mts stand posture’. Only then ‘please’ practice it on your own.

         Women who are pregnant though ‘modern studies’ don’t have reasons against it – I suggest you don’t till after 6 mths of delivery. There are scores of other asanas good for women during and post delivery – please do that and leave this alone.

       Women during their monthly cycles – though comfortable doing it. Don’t. I don’t want to discuss much about it here, so my suggestion is don’t.

      Preferably do it before your morning tea/coffee or any other intake. Other time, see that you’ve taken very light meals and the food is properly digested completely before attempting it. Since, there’s no way one can know that for sure, I suggest only mornings. Rest – you are the better judge.

So, looking into these points, you take the call depending upon your situation. And yes, people who are over weight take support of others for few months before doing it on your own!

      And all others, who for various reasons unable to do it can benefit to a large extent if they do ‘parvathasan’ and ‘bend down to touch their own toes’.

Hope the question is answered…..

Last but not the least, this doubt and such doubts raise their head only when one is restless within. And a restless mind can not concentrate enough to hear completely, understand what it’s hear, read or seen and the confusion reigns in such cases. Solution – sadhan, sadhan nothing like sadhan. Do sadhan regularly to be more in control of the senses. Be in regular sadhan (It applies to all!) re-birth meditation and Let go meditation can give good results.

So stick to it – at all times – regularly!