Shirshasana

(Head Down Posture)

'Shir' means 'head' or 'brain'. Since body is positioned on head hence the name Shirshasana. Yogacharyas believe Shirshasana to be the king of asanas. This tells us that many important advantages and benefits are hidden in this asana. Before commencing practice of this asana, there are few precautions that must be taken into consideration, otherwise benefits might turn into losses.

Shirshasana (Head Down Posture)

Method

A very soft mat is essential so that head is not hurt during practice.

1. Kneel down and interlock fingers in such a way that palms form shape of a cup.
2. Place hands on mat, your head in cup of palms and try to lift body up. When legs go up you may initially bend knees. Once you have found your balance then you can slowly straighten your legs. Initially you may lean against a wall for support. Once asana has been perfected then it can be performed without any support.
3. During practice, it must be kept in mind that the whole body remains in a straight line.

Duration

Inhale, while bending knees and exhale, while lifting body up. Once posture has been assumed, breathe normally and do not breathe through mouth. In beginning practice of this asana should be for 30 seconds only. Slowly it can be extended by a minute per week. In normal conditions, practicing for 3 minutes is sufficient.

Precautions

1. This asana should not be practiced for at least three hours after a meal.
2. This asana should not be practiced after vigorous exercises and hard work.
3. People who are suffering from disorders of ear, eye, neck and from high blood pressure should not practice this asana.
4. The people who suffer from severe pitaprakruti should also not practice this asana.
5. Initially it should not be practiced without the guidance of a Yoga trainer.
6. While practicing Shirshasana, you are advised not to twist, bend or jerk neck.
7. Do not practice this asana who are suffering from otorrhoea (ear discharge), back or neck injury or having existing heart condition.

Effect on Health

Shirshasana is said to be the king of asanas and with this we can know its importance. In Yoga, a lot has been said about benefits of practice of this asana. It is these benefits that attract practitioner even though it is a difficult asana.

This asana should be practiced by the correct method with an efficient trainer. Even a tiny mistake in practice of this asana can cause irreversible harm. Hence precautions along with benefits must be kept in mind while practicing this asana.

During practice of Shirshasana, all organs of body turn upside down as a result blood circulation is also reversed. In normal condition, less blood is circulated in upper part of body as compared to the lower parts. During Shirshasana, upper parts receive a more than adequate supply of blood. The roots of hair receive more blood than usual and as a result graying of hair is delayed and growth is enhanced both in quantity and quality. Hair fall can be stopped with regular practice of this asana. Any dysfunction in organs can be rectified due to upside down position of body.

Other Benefits

Increases memory, mental capacity. Regulates blood circulation all over the body.