Yoga Pose:
Shirshasana
Important Note
Take special precautions while doing any asana. If you are learning yoga, then take the advice of a knowledgeable person. Do not put any kind of force in the event of pain or unable to do so. Keep in mind that you will be able to succeed only with constant practice.
Brief Introduction Of The Shirshasana
- The earlier alternative to the pose Shirshasana was Salamba Shirshasana, essentially a shortened form. There were many names that were associated with the Shirshasana in the earlier days with each of them having different variations in the poses.
- However, you can see the Shirshasana being used commonly these days despite variations in the poses. This asana is essentially an inverted one which was used in hatha yoga and now used in modern yoga exercises.
- There are also references to this asana being called as the king of asanas in yoga. This is due to the enormous benefits that this brings to the person practicing it. Although this asana might be difficult to practice for a beginner, they would be able to master it in a few days.
How To Do The Shirshasana?
- People who are beginners with yoga asanas may ideally wish to use a supporting structure like a wall to begin trying this asana. This is due to the risk factors that are associated with it. Once you are able to master the Shirshasana you would not require any support at all.
- Using a yoga mat, folded fabric, or a folded blanket may be something you may want to begin with. However, as time goes by you would be happy to do it without these things. You should also remember to practice this asana only on a flat surface for obvious reasons.
- You can begin this asana by first going into the child pose or the Balasana. This would make up for the ease at which you can move on to the next step or the beginning of the Shirshasana.
- Now, you would be forming a base pose for the asana by clasping and interlocking your hands, bending your elbow, and shaping it in a triangle position. This would be vital to support your head while doing this asana.
- The backside part of the head should be touching your hands. This is done after you have placed your hand on the mat and comfortably bending to place your head on it. Ideally, your head here is supported by the interlocked hands of yours.
- Now, you should try to get your legs to straighten. Your legs should be moving in the direction of your head. While you are trying to achieve this, you should ensure that your back is completely straight.
- The heels should now be moved towards your buttocks. This is a process that you are supposed to do slowly and steadily without rushing it. By rushing this movement, you are likely to lose balance and sustain an injury.
- Now, you can proceed to raise your legs upward until you are able to accomplish a 90-degree angle. Although this might not be possible in your first attempt you would get to it over a period of time.
- You should now begin to concentrate on your breathing. Inhaling and exhaling should be steady without straining or rushing at all. This is very important part of the Shirshasana and for you to be able to perfect it.
- The position can be held by you for as long as possible before retracting back to the normal pose from where you began which is the Balasana.
One has to remember that there are no shortcuts to attaining the final pose with Shirshasana. You would have to go through it one step at a time. Continuous practice of this asana would allow you to perfect it over a period of time.
Benefits Of The Shirshasana
It is virtually impossible for anyone to be able to list all of the benefits that are associated with the Shirshasana. The list is very long and that is why this asana is referred to as the king of asanas by experts. We list out the most prominent benefits for you below.
- The person practicing Shirshasana would be able to enjoy better levels of concentration and less stress in day-to-day activities.
- The pineal and pituitary glands are stimulated when this asana is practiced on a regular basis.
- Your vision would improve with lesser or no problems with the eyes due to the increase blood flow to it.
- The core muscles, arms, and shoulders are strengthened a great deal with the practice of this asana.
- Your internal organs are massaged which helps improve your overall health by leaps and bounds.
- This is one of the asanas in yoga that is said to have antiaging properties when practiced regularly.
- Haemoglobin percentage in the blood is also increased considerably.
- Scalp, head, and other regions in the face are also benefitted due to the increased blood circulation due to this inverted asana.
- Anyone suffering from the build-up of fluids in their legs, ankles, or feet would find relief when they practice this asana.
- Your metabolism and digestion increase to a great deal as well when you practice this asana regularly.
Precautions To Be Taken While Doing The Shirshasana
Since the Shirshasana is an inverted asana you would have to be cautious while practicing it. Injuries can be avoided if you are able to follow the steps, we had mentioned to practice this asana. We look at the common precautions that you ought to take with this asana.
- Beginners should always use the support of a wall when they begin practicing this asana until they have mastered it completely.
- Pregnant women and menstruating women should never try the Shirshasana as it is likely to lead to severe complications.
- You should only practice this asana when you are on an empty stomach. If you are practicing it otherwise there should be an ideal gap of 6 hours before your last meal.
- People with neck, back, shoulder, and other injuries should not practice this asana.
Conclusion
- It is always imperative that you take the necessary precautions before practicing the Shirshasana.
- Consulting with your general physician or an experienced yoga instructor might be a good option if you are not aware of the condition your body is in.
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