ZaraR_Yoga_11:30BDF

Introduction

Salamba Sirsasana, or headstand (Salamba meaning "with support", Shirsa meaning head), is a difficult but rewarding posture to practice. The name can also be translated as "supported headstand" or "King's Pose." Though many true yogis can do this posture successfully, many find it difficult to even attempt. Fortunately, there are many variations for the average person to try. After all, the difficulty of this pose should not scare us away from attempting it, as its benefits to both the mind and body are numerous and significant.

How To

Benefits & Effects

Mental benefits of Salamba Sirsasana are caused by the increased blood flow to the brain, specifically the pituitary and pineal glands. An increased sense of well being can be a result of practicing this posture, and memory and concentration are improved while also relieving stress and mild depression.

Physical benefits of this pose include:

-Resting the heart because of the change of blood flow

-Pressure relief from lower back

-Deepened breath

-Improved balance

-Strengthened spine

-Improved digestion

This posture is also therapeutic for asthma, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis. (*According to Source 3)

While this blogger/yogi hasn't yet noticed all of these effects, the strengthening benefits definitely stood out. Practicing this pose encouraged the use of arm, neck, back, and leg muscles. For some, this is considered a restorative pose, but for me, it was a workout! It was tiring but empowering at the same time! After staying in the pose for about a minute (with someone around watching!), I felt a little less stressed than when I had started.

Other Tips

Some things to try before and after practicing Salamba Sirsasana include:

-Standing postures

-Backbends

-Sitting twists

-Sitting forward bends

-Salamba Sarvangasana in particular (The Queen of postures!)

These postures help to relax the spine and often act as neutralizers.

So readers, don't be intimidated! You'll soon find that trying this posture was well worth your effort.

Have fun and good luck!

Thanks to:

http://keenookevin.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/yoga3931.jpg

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/481

http://books.google.com/books?id=1HEl6Ew-YCQC&pg=PA49&lpg=PA49&dq=salamba+sirsasana+variation&source=bl&ots=CKYklepNbn&sig=23ks1AeAtXw5Nv0iWtuGsl3Ofm0&hl=en&ei=c8AAS8PeFpHWswOuyLy9DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CA0Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=salamba%20sirsasana%20variation&f=false

http://www.yoga.com/ydc/enlighten/enlighten_document.asp?ID=370&section=9&cat=0