SIRSASANA

In Sanskrit, sirsa or sirha means "head". Hence this asana is called 'the pose of the head' or simply " the headstand".

This is the king of all asanas. All the glands in the body are activated at the same time, protecting us from diseases. Our thinking power, memory power, and virility are enhanced greatly. Cures constipation, vision impairment, and nerves disorder.

When we are born, normally the head comes out first and then the other parts of our body. The head is the centre of sattvic qualities which control discrimination. Regular practice of this asana makes healthy pure blood flow through the brain cells. Thinking power increases and thoughts become clearer. Those who are involved in brain work would find this asana very useful. This asana activates the pituitary and pineal glands. Our growth, health and vitality depend on the proper functioning of these two glands.Our face acquires a beautiful glow. Even this asana is done for just 2 minutes a day, results are great. Body becomes flexible.

People suffering from loss of sleep, memory and vitality have recovered by the regular and correct practice of Sirsasana. The lungs gain the power to resist any climate. Regular practice of this asana will show marked improvement in the haemoglobin content of the blood.

During this asana, the excess of vital(sexual) energy is sublimated to superior levels of being(higher chakras). When perfectly done, this process awakens and raises the kundalini sakhthi. Hence Sirsasana has a remarkable rejuvenating effect.

Technique: The first step in sirsasana is to do ardha sirsasana(half-headstand). It is very important that the head sits on the floor at the hairline area. It is 100% recommended to learn this asana from a Guru and this pose cannot and should not be learned from books or videos. It is absolutely forbidden to perform this asana while supporting on the top of the head. Please see the Video in this blog for details. It is necessary to put strength in your arms and neck. In the final position the weight of the body is supported half on the elbows and half on the head, and not 100% on the head. After you come back from the posture, please keep your head down(as shown in the video) for a couple of minutes to allow the normalisation of the blood circulation. Begin this asana with only one minute and the duration can be increased gradually. In the beginning, it is strongly recommended to perform the pose very close to a wall or a corner, to prevent any accidental fall.

Note: Persons who suffered from strokes and/or suffer from very high and/or very low blood-pressure,and suffering acute sinusitis, conjunctivitis, glaucoma,  will not practice this asana. If this pose brings about immediately a violent headache which worsens at every new attempt, the practice should be stopped.

Even though it is difficult initially to practice this asana, there is hardly any ailment which cannot be cured by its performance. It combines all the beneficial effects of the 84 classical asanas. This asana is very useful in keeping brahmacharya and in generating ojas shakthi. Maintains the youth of the body, the complexion becomes fresh, the eyes sparkle and become magnetic, and the entire being reflects health, vigour & vitality. The greying of the hair can be stopped or reversed, even at an advanced age. Also the falling of the hair can be stopped, and with steady practice it can even made to grow again on the bald areas.

Regular and correct practice of this pose develops the body, disciplines the mind and widens the horizons of the spirit. We become balanced and self-reliant in all dualities(pain and pleasure, loss and gain, shame and fame and defeat and victory).