Sirsasana

By Roland Withanage

Sirasana or the supported headstand is considered as king of all the asanas as it supplies pure blood to the brain which is connected to our whole body and functions as regulator.

Thus it controls and regulates all body function since it increases blood supply to the scalp and brain.

The asana should be performed in an open or bare floor with only the mat below your feet.

Proper alignment is important in all yoga poses but especially important in poses that turn the body upside down or put weight on the head and shoulders.

When coming into headstand, always take the time to set it up properly.

Step 1: Sit on the soles. Place knees on the ground. Frame finger lock with both hands making a triangle from the finger-lock and elbows and place it on ground.

Step 2: Bending forward, place the middle of the head on the ground near the finger-lock. Now straighten your legs. Slowly bring the legs towards the neck and your body. Gradually lift your legs off the ground.

Step 3: Soles will automatically leave the ground by practise and the thighs/knees will touch the abdomen.

Step 4: Now keeping the balance straighten your legs from the thigh-joint and knees will remain folded.

Step 5: Now straighten the knees also and completely balance your body on head. This is a front view of the asana.

While returning to the original position fold your knee first. Then fold your legs from thigh and let the thigh and knee touch your abdomen. Slowly place the soles on the ground. Slowly raise your head also and sit on soles.

People with high blood pressure, glaucoma, history of stroke or neck or shoulder injuries should not practice this asana.

Benefits of the asana

* Improves circulation, is good for digestion, improves concentration and prepares the mind for meditation.

* Tones and strengthens the entire body and brings a feeling of well being to the practitioner

* Digestive system is also benefited through this asana

* Beneficial against congestedthroat, diseases of liver and spleen and in Visceroptosis

* Increases the glow of face and decreases the dark circles around the eyes by raising the blood flow to the brain

* Improves posture and strengthens the lungs

Dip in yoga- India