Top 7 Health Benefits of Sirsasana Headstand

Sirsasana is cumulative of two Hindi syllables, ‘Sirsa’ denoting the head region and ‘Asana’ denoting the ‘Position’. The greatest benefits of Sirsasana have been experienced and regularly documented since the evolution of the asana. So much so, that according to the ancient reads, Sirsasana has earned the title of being the ‘king of all yoga asanas’. There are several reasons behind this annotation, the best of which are highlighted here.

Busts Stress and Anxiety

Feeling anxious and stressed? It is time to look at the world from a new angle – upside down. Catch a break from the stress by performing a headstand that helps draw all the attention inwards. Practice slow, soothing breaths while performing the asana, count to a hundred, and catch yourself opening up to a fresh perspective. Feel inspired to start anew with just a single leftover feeling – Tomorrow is going to be a better day!

Enhances Concentration and Focus

The unique perpendicular inversion that happens in this pose regulates a direct flow of blood to the neural region (the brain) thereby giving a new surge of energy, clarity, and focus to the practitioner. The next time you feel a creative block, find yourself a corner space and come into the wonderful Sirsasana. Remain in the pose for at least two minutes to comprehend its healing effects on the health.

Increases Blood Flow to the Upper Body

This is pure science – and no non-comprehendible Mantra (hymn)! As you perform the headstand, the inversion leads the blood flow to be directed into the upper body, by way of gravitational pull. This increased flow of blood to the upper body, an asset, helps regulate the well-being of the functions in that area while offering a rejuvenating break to it.

Improves Digestion

This pose is a tune of instant happiness for the constipated ones and also one of the most entailed benefits of headstand. When the practitioner performs the Sirsasana, the increased flow of blood in the digestive organs enhances the absorption of nutrients and speeds up the nutrient delivery to the cells, while the inversion also releases any blockages in the digestive tracts thereby facilitating a release of trapped air molecules (gases) from the body.

Strengthens the Upper Body

Feel an intense build-up of strength in the shoulders, arms, and the entire core with a regular practice of Headstand. Fire up the abdomen muscles with strong belly holds and deep, rhythmic breathing while in the pose. The engagement of core muscles to hold the Sirsasana is inevitable. And, this engagement is the key to a healthier life. After all, a strong core is a major factor behind a happy and ailment-free body.

Eliminates Toxins

Toxins are dirt substances that can remain seriously trapped in the blood stream if the body’s drainage system is out of order or dysfunctional. This drainage system, also known as a lymphatic system in the body, is a series of nodes that work to wash away the trapped impurities from the blood. The performance of Sirsasana stimulates the functioning of Lymphatic System, thereby aiding in a deep removal of toxins from the entire body.  

Helps with Edema Issue

Whether a highly sedentary lifestyle where the lower body remains inactive through most of the day or a lifestyle involving an excessive strain on the legs and feet due to constant moving around, any of these can give rise to the issue of edema. Edema implies a fluid buildup in certain areas of the body of those who suffer from certain disorders or lifestyle issues. Performance of Sirsasana is highly beneficial in releasing this water trapped inside the legs and feet by regulating and flushing it out, thereby providing an instant relief to the practitioner.

Few Cautionary Tips:

• People with neck or spinal injury are not advised to perform this pose.
• Pregnant women and those on their lunar cycle are strictly advised against this pose.
• Always come out of the pose gently and slowly to avoid a sudden reverse of circulation and any accidental slippage.
• If you haven’t mastered the pose then avoid practicing it independently. Seeking the guidance from a yoga instructor is highly recommended until perfection is attained.