What is Sirsasana (Headstand Pose) 

Sirsasana or Shirshasana is a Sanskrit word meaning a pose on the head. Sirsha means head, and asana belongs to asana.  

Sirsasana is an advanced yoga pose traditionally practised to enhance Brahmacharya (celibacy) practice. 

The headstand pose is considered the “King of the Asanas.” Hatha Yoga is practised as both an asana and a mudra.  

Modern yoga practice describes Sirsana as an inverted pose, while in Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it was referred to as Viparita Karani mudra. 

History of Shirshasana 

 In the 15th century, it was widely used as a gesture called Viparita Karani, or the inverter. Yogis mainly practised Sirsasana to expand their Ojas or shine upwards. 

It was mainly a part of Tapah or austerity, but its main objective was to regulate the energy flow towards the crown chakra to attain salvation. 

In the 11th century, the great yogi Hemachandra defined this posture as Duryodhanasana or Kapalikarna asana for head practices. 

How to do Shirshasana 

Yoga for beginners should practice Shirshasana under a registered yoga teacher. During yoga teacher training and yoga retreats, a person practices it as follows: 

STEP 1- Kneel on the floor, be at ease, and make your breathing gentle. 

STEP 2- Set your body on the ground, place your elbows on the mat, and interlock your fingers.  

STEP 3- Please make a cup shape of the forefingers and rest the crown of the head against the palms.  

STEP 4- After shifting the body weight on the head, please lift the knees and make balance on the elbows. 

STEP 5- Engage your core and lift one of the legs at a 75-degree to 90-degree angle. 

STEP 6- Try to kick on the other leg, and after joining the legs together, use the shoulder muscles to stay there longer. 

STEP 7- Maintain your body weight on the head and use the elbows to balance the body. 

STEP 8—Focus all your attention on the third eye chakra and hold the posture according to your physical efficiency. 

STEP 9—Stay calm and breathe normally. Feel the extension of the spinal cord and the stretching of the gluteus and leg muscles. 

STEP 10—After bending the knees, Start stepping down, contracting them towards the chest. Finally, place them on the floor and drop your head, arms, and shoulders on the ground. 

Can Shirshasan regrow your hair?

It is believed that Sirsansana is helpful for regrowing hair because it increases blood flow to the scalp.

In ancient times, Shirshasana was mainly practised to calm the mind, which is also one of the main reasons for hair growth.

It also stimulates dormant hair follicles for their long life and protects them from early greying.

Why is Shirsasana called King of Asana?

Shirshasan is called the king of asanas because of its incredible spiritual awakening. After practising it, a person can feel immediate effects on the Sahasrara chakra(crown channel).

It has excellent physical and mental healing properties that cure different ailments and is considered the king of Asana.

Benefits of Shirshasana 

Sirsasana yoga benefits our physical, mental, and astral bodies significantly. These are the main benefits of practising Shirshasana: 

1. 1. Sirsasana is a fantastic posture that keeps the spine healthy and circulates blood to the spinal cord. 

2. 2. It works tremendously on the digestive tract. It has terrific work on the lever. 

3. 3. It is an excellent Asana for sharpening the brain and memory. It has fascinating work on OCD issues. 

4. 4. Shirsana is highly recommended for Bramcharya practices to increase Ojas. 

5. 5. After practising Shirsasana, our energy starts to flow upwards, which is very effective for spiritual growth. 

6. 6. It increases our eyesight and has a great working on our eyes. 

7. 7. For small kids, it should be practised to increase their height and to improve their concentration level. 

8. 8. It is perfect for reducing fluid retention in the legs and feet. Benefits of Sirsasana for hair are also very effective for hair growth.

9. 9. Headstand pose stimulates the lymphatic system, which is excellent for releasing toxins from the body. 

10. 10. Benefits of Janu Sirsasana chakra enhance oxygen supply to the brain and playing a vital role in keeping the nervous system calm. 

11. 11. Yoga beginners should practice it to improve the strength and balance of the body. 

1. 12. Advanced yoga practitioners should hold this posture for a long duration to bring all the attention to the third eye chakra. 

Can I do Shirsasana every day?

Of course. Sirsasasana should be practised every day to achieve advanced results. It has a significant impact on our physical shape.

People who practice it in their daily routine get a shiny face glow and attain the highest level of Ojas and spiritual growth.

Precautions for Shirshasana 

• • If someone has high BP or cholesterol levels, they should not hold Shirshasana long. 
  • It should not be practised when having any joint problems.
  • Sirshasana should not be attempted to treat Glaucoma because it may increase blood circulation to the eyes and harm eyesight.
  • The small kids should avoid it because of their soft skulls and bones.
  • One should not practise Shirsasana after having heart problems. 
  • People who have migraines or headaches should avoid them until they get relief.
  • It should not be attempted in pregnancy. 
  • One should avoid practising it if their pulse rate increases. 

Note: Practitioners should rest properly in Yoga Nidra after having Sirsasana.  

If someone feels fainted or has issues after Shirsasana, they should take Reiki healing treatments, which significantly impact the body. 

Jin Shin Jyutsu and Pranic Healing are also exceptionally good for resolving issues of Shirsasana practice.