Yoga Positions: The Headstand - Yoga Position

By Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

The Headstand

Definition: An asana in which you balance on your elbows, arms, and head

Known as the "King of Asanas" because of its many benefits, the Headstand is the first of the 12 asanas and is considered by many to be a panacea for countless human ills. Sitting and standing for most of the day causes your circulation to become sluggish, so your heart has to work harder to pump sufficient blood to the upper parts of your body. Normally, your heart works against gravity; inverting your entire body lessens the strain on your heart, and allows a plentiful supply of oxygen-rich blood to reach your head and brain. This pose is not an advanced asana; even so, to begin with you may wish just to undertake the child's Pose and the Dolphin, progressing to the full Headstand later.

Objective: To relax and invigorate your entire body..

The Child's Pose

This is another relaxation pose, and is practised before the Headstand and some other asanas. Sit on your heels, then bring your forehead forward to rest on the ground. While in this pose, relax in order to prepare yourself mentally for the Headstand.

The headstand is one of the 12 basic Asanas (yoga postures or yoga positions) as taught by Guru of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. For more information about Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center please, see http://www.sivananda.org