Shirsha, a Sanskrit word means ‘head’. In this posture one stands on one’s head, hence it is called Shirshasana (Head Stand Posture).
Shrishasana
Let us perform Shrishasana by following the steps given below.
1. Put a folded cloth or blanket on the floor. Kneel on the ground, with the buttocks resting on the heels.
2. Inter-lock the fingers and form a finger-lock.
3. Place hands on ground making an angle of 60º between the elbows.
Steps of Shrishasana
4. Place the centre of the head on the ground supported by the finger-lock.
5. Lifting the knees and the buttocks straighten the legs.
6. Bend the legs at the knees and bring the knees closer to the chest.
Shrishasana
7. Resting on the elbows and contracting abdominal muscles raise the feet off the ground one by one.
8. Keeping the legs folded in the knees, straighten the thighs.
9. Unfold the legs and bring them vertically in line with the body and maintain the posture for 5-10 seconds.
10. To come back, reverse the order. Fold the legs at the knees.
11. Bring the knees closer to the chest and down to the ground. Take the feet away from the body. Place the knees on the ground. Raise the head and the finger lock from the ground. Open the finger-lock and come to the starting position.
Remember the following points
Dos
- All the movements should be very slow.
- Proceed from one stage to another after having mastered the former stage.
- Keep the elbows firmly on the ground so that the balance is not lost.
- Normal breathing should continue.
Dont’s
- Avoid giving any jerk or push to the body to make the balance.
- Avoid spreading and shifting the elbows while doing the asana
- Avoid any bend in the waist.
Benefits
- It improves blood circulation, particularly of venous blood.
- It helps in the proper functioning of the abdominal organs and endocrine glands. • It increases the supply of blood to the brain and strengthens the central nervous system.
Limitation
- Avoid performing this posture in case of problems of ears, weak eye, high blood pressure, heart trouble, etc.
