headstand

{{Short description|Pose that is an inversion posture of standing head down}}

File:Hand and headstand.JPG]]

The headstand, or sometimes head stand, is a pose that is an inversion posture of standing head down. The technique is used in different settings such as yoga, breakdancing, acrobatics and beginner gymnastics.

How to practice headstand

  • Start from kneeling position on mat and put your forearms on the floor in front of you.
  • Weave your fingers together and lie on your head, making a stable “tripod” with your hands and head.
  • Pressure your hips and straighten your legs, under your toes, until your hips are vertically above your shoulders.
  • Engage your core and peel your legs off the ground at the very start when moving them towards the ceiling.
  • Keep the steady position between your hands or to your toes and don’t let your head go down, but rather keep a straight line from head to heels.
  • Breathe for a few moments, then gradually add duration to your pose with your strength and comfort level growing.
  • To exit the pose, lower the legs slowly back down with the support of your hands and then lower yourself to a kneeling position.

Health risks

  • If the headstand is not done perfectly, the performer is likely to suffer head injury from standing on the head.
  • If one is suffering from high blood pressure, one should avoid headstand.

In yoga

The yoga headstand, Shirshasana, may be balanced and symmetrical from all perspectives, even though not always in a legs-vertical position. The asana has many variations, several of them asymmetrical.

File:Shirshasana.jpg|Yoga headstand, Shirshasana

File:Unknown Headstand 1.jpg|alt=Unknown Headstand 1|With feet as in Baddha Konasana

File:Mr-yoga-sideways-bound-angle-headstand-1.jpg|A variation

See also

References

  • [https://baliyttc.com/yoga-posture/headstand-sirsasana/ Bali Yoga Teacher Training center]