Headstand counteracts tiredness, improves concentration
and boosts self confidence.
Medical
uses:
First and foremost, Headstand, when practiced correctly,
oxygenates the brain. When practiced incorrectly, it can do a lot
of damage to the neck, so be sure to study with a qualified yoga
teacher. It can help those with memory loss.
This
pose strengthens the back; it helps those with arthritis of the
lower back, dorsal region, and shoulder joints as well as dealing
with lumbago, sciatica, and general backache.
It
also works on the legs; any experienced yoga practitioner who has
had the misfortune of spraining a knee or an ankle knows how effective
this pose is at bringing down a swelling or inflammation in these
joints. Varicose veins and coccyx pain and displacement can also
be reduced.
Diseases
of the respiratory system, lungs and heart such as palpitations,
asthma, breathlessness, bronchitis, nasal catarrh, chills, cold
and cough, and (after medical treatment and rest) pleurisy and pneumonia,
can all be brought to vibrant good health through regular practice
of this pose.
Headstand
also brings relief for those suffering from digestive problems;
constipation, acidity, colic and colitis can all be ameliorated
with this and other poses.
Always
practice this pose regularly in equal measure with your shoulderstand.
It
can also boost low blood pressure. Other conditions that greatly benefit
from Headstand are diabetes, displaced uterus, epilepsy,
umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, impotency, anemia, appendicitis,
insomnia, kidney problems, menstrual disorders, prostrate problems,
tonsillitis and duodenal ulcer.
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practice
note:
Sirsasana
is not for beginners. Iyengar yoga teachers really are second
to none when it comes to teaching inversions! Learn this
in an Iyengar level II class.
Until you are ready to begin learning headstand, practice
Standing Wide Leg Forward Bend Pose (Prassarita Padottanasana).
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