Yoga Video - Headstand Posture - Sirasana
Emily Collins demonstrates Headstand Posture, or Sirasana. This sometimes referred to as the king of asanas. It is an extremely important posture that can bring vitality and clarity to the body and the mind. Studies have shown that it can increase the hemoglobin content of the blood and can convey increased blood supply to the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain. This is a posture that is really recommended for intermediate to advanced practitioners of yoga. It is important to support the weight equally with the wrists, forearms and elbows only, not with the head. This develops strength in the arms and the shoulders, keeps the body centered, keeps weight off the head and avoids injury to the neck and spine.Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Hi. I suffered a Whiplash injury in 2007 and my MRI showed that I have a herniated cervical disc and bone spurs on 3 vertebrae in my neck. Although Yoga is recognised as being helpful to back and neck pain sufferers, I would be a little nervous about the particular stance above
Well yes, and so you should be…wary that is.
Headstand is not apropiate for everyone, and cervical vertebrae injuries are just one of the main contra-indications. Headstand is an inversion, so your alternative to reap the benefits of changing gravity and the positive effects it has upon the body, is to lie with on your back with your legs up the wall.
What is important in your case, is to keep mobility and strength in the rest of the spine..so thus alot of other yoga and Pilates postures will be of benefit.
Your knowledge of your own body , finding a good teacher ,working with the breathe and mindfulness will be the guiding lights in achieving your true potential.