Strange Benefits of Sirsasana (headstand)

In yoga practice, Sirsasana (headstand) is one of the most important yoga poses. Nicknamed as "king" of all the yoga poses or the "queen of all poses", headstand benefits the whole body when practiced safely. In the Sirsasana, the body is totally reversed and held on the crown of the head supported by the forearms. A very important group of asanas, inverted asanas reverse the gravity action of the body; in place of everything being dragged in the direction of the feet. In Headstand, the orientation moves in the directions of head and thus it gets ready the mind for meditation. Usually, this practice reduces anxiety and stress, improves health and boosts self-confidence.

The sirsasana imposes a lot of positive effects on the body but everyone should remember few essential things previous to practicing it as weight is carried on the neck and head. The inversion of the pose leads to increased and unimpeded blood flow to the brain, which carries raised oxygen and energy to the mind. In yogic terms, the raised blood flow to the brain helps to rouse the Sahasrara Chakra (energy center) that is considered as the most significant Chakra closely linked to, and influencing, all other Chakras. It is important to practice this pose with attention and proper care. Like many other challenging yoga poses, it is best to start learning the pose with an experienced teacher, particularly when working with injuries or limitations.

Sirsasana – Benefits

Mind Benefits
As sirsasana increases the blood flow to the brain, it stimulates pineal and pituitary glands to revitalize and calm mind. By this way, it helps to relieve stress, depression and insomnia. It regulates your metabolism, improves memory and concentration, and aids circulation. It also has strengthening effect on lungs and thus helps to cure cough, colds, sinusitis, asthma and sore throat.

Breathing
Sirsasana raises the pressure on diaphragm and so it calms and deepens breathing. Some study has also concluded that even though this asana can decelerate the breath; more oxygen that absorbed by the blood benefits the brain and inner organs because it feeds tissues and cells.

Body
Sirsasana also works on neck, abdomen, shoulders, back and arm muscles and thereby strengthens the core. As well as it helps to lengthen spine and relieve pressure on lower back. It carries attention to balance and alignment. To relax your vocal and jaw muscles, you can engage your neck muscles.

This inverted pose also helps to improve digestion, particularly if you are suffering from constipation.

Other benefits:

• Relieves a fluid buildup in the legs and feet
• Lets a healthy and freshly oxygenated blood flow to brain cells
• Tones the abdominals and legs
• Increases the production of sex hormones
• Regular practice raises intellectual clarity, enhances will power and respiration
• Stimulates the nervous system
• Improves posture and strengthens the lungs
• May reverse the effects of sleep loss, lethargy, and memory loss
• Increases the glow of face and decreases the dark circles around the eyes by raising the blood flow to the brain
• Helps to defeat problems of the kidneys, liver, intestines, stomach and reproductive organs by reversing the gravity pull
• Aids in the treatment of headaches, sinusitis, hay fever, diabetes, depression and symptoms of menopause

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