three cheers for sirsasana { not just for the sirs … for the mademoiselles, too }
Salamba Sirsasana, otherwise known as Headstand, is a gorgeous pose with many delicious benefits. Recently, Cora Wen issued a Sirsasana Challenge and I heeded the call, as you can see above. Oh wait, that’s Victoria’s Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio at a shoot with Elle France. You see, we look so much alike, I always get our pictures mixed up. :) Honest mistake.
Known as the ‘King of Asanas,’ Sirsasana is a pose B.K.S. Iyengar deemed “one of the most important Yogic asanas.” (Light on Yoga) I love, love, love this pose. It’s freeing, empowering, and gently invigorating.
You no longer need to skydive, drive fast, or tempt fate to get a rush. You can get just about everything you need with a little Sirsa.
Benefits of Headstand // Sirsasana Sweetness:
- Stimulates + rejuvenates the brain
- Regulates prana flow
- Develops poise, lightness, + confidence
- Relieves stress + anxiety
- Improves digestion, circulation, + respiration
- Strengthens the spinal muscles, arms, legs, and abs
- An excellent way to practice equanimity
- Fear-facer, world-changer { nothing like seeing things upside-down! }
Remember, a Sirsa a day keeps the kleshas away.
photo credit: The Superficial
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soothsayer. illusion slayer. intj/mastermind. writer + artist + strategist + innovator. california born, city of angels bred. gypset world traveler. la face with an oakland booty. queen of the jungle who doesn't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.
Lately, before my morning class, I’ve had lots of time to practice headstand. I totally need a wall, even if I never touch it, I just need it to be there. And, I have no walls in my house! Too much stuff, I guess. So, I have been practicing before my class and it gives me so much energy and confidence to get through my day!
Just started getting into Sirsa with the wall. I still have to give a little tiny kick to get all the way up, but whoa-damn, once I’m there it feels sooooo good!
Thanks for the shout out and glad to inpsire y’all to get a new view..! ;)
For a steady headstand, make sure you open those shoulders, esp in the scap and keep them moving away from each other. This takes strength and flexibility in the shoulders.
And other thing is CORE strength, esp using transv abs and multifidus to gain stability
Mobility and stability…balances the Yin Yang!
keep bending and breathing,
Cora Yoga Crone
Love love love this pose. I’ve started bringing my head farther and farther from the wall, inch by inch. Someday I won’t need it at all!
great as always
thanks for the inspiration
That is a beautiful photo, it looks like she is standing more on her forehead then head though.. Anyways, I start to really like this pose and the things it brings out. You need to be brave to try it without that wall behind. I am just starting to get brave..
One word: LOVE
Head down my fave pose – I use it any all the time to cure any and all things.