What does the word ‘Sirsasana’ mean?

Another name of Sirsasana is the headstand pose. The word ‘Sirsha’ means head and the term ‘Asana’ means posture (Sitham, 2021). The simplification of the word is bringing out the actual meaning of Sirsana, that is pose involving the head. This yoga pose is considered as the king of all asana. The pose involves balance on the head, hence it should be done in the presence of a yoga instructor. The regular and efficient practice of Sirsana ensures properly oxygenated blood flow into the brain.

How to do it?

 

 

Points to be noted before doing Sirsasana

The pose completely depends upon the balancing power of the head. Hence, it should be done only in the presence of a well-trained yoga trainer. Individuals should have support for their stability before starting yoga (Thanedar, 2021). A comfortable support, such as a pillow or blanket, should be given to the head. After completion of the yoga, the legs should be lifted off one by one and very slowly. At first, the practitioners are instructed to hold the pose only for a few seconds. After a few days, they can hold the pose for some extra time, considering their comfort level (Thanedar, 2021). This pose should not be performed during the menstrual cycle. While performing the asana, the whole weight of the entire body is controlled by the hands, neck, and shoulders. Hence, patients suffering from spondylitis should avoid this yoga. Besides, individuals suffering from vertigo and any kind of heart disease should also be alert while doing this pose.

 

How Sirsasana benefits people

The most important role of sirsasana is that it helps the brain to fill with oxygenated blood, thus it calms down the mental stress of the individuals. It takes away the anxiety and depressions away from the mind and keeps it fresh and relaxing (Sitham, 2021). Sirsasana also helps in the removal of other issues related to kidneys, liver, stomach, intestine, and so on. Sirsasana improves the blood circulation process in the scalp, thus reduces hair-fall-related issues. Regular practice of this pose helps in improving the efficiency of the endocrine glands of the body, thus helps in improving the hormonal functions (Thanedar, 2021). The asana is associated with slow and calming breathing techniques, which gives relaxation to the body, as well as to the mind.

 

 

References

Sitham, P. (2021). Sirsasana – Procedure and Benefits. Retrieved from Nature Homeopathy: https://www.naturehomeopathy.com/sirsasana-procedure-and-benefits.html

Thanedar, S. (2021). Sirsasana: The yogic headstand. Retrieved from Art of Living: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/yoga-poses/head-stand-sirsasana