In
Salamba Sirsasana all of the weight should be on the top of the skull, allowing for maximum brain stimulation.
Because of the brain''s prominence in our daily activities, it is a very demanding organ, requiring 20% of the oxygen we inhale and one fifth of the blood the heart pumps. The brain is responsible for processing all information gathered by the five senses which allow us to taste, feel, smell, hear and see. Blockages of blood flow to the brain result in tiredness, lack of clarity and stroke;
headstand combats this. It is an organ we want to keep healthy and strong. This is achieved in headstand by forcibly flushing old blood out of the brain cells, replacing it with freshly oxygenated, nutrient rich blood coming directly from its source, the heart. In headstand we are also allowing for increased blood flow to the pituitary and pineal glands which are located in the brain. Combined these two glands monitor the functioning of all glands in the body and play key roles in one''s overall growth, health and vitality. Sattvic (harmonious) qualities which control discrimination are also centered in the head. By inverting, we feed the brain healthy fresh blood strengthening our Sattvic qualities which bring a lightness and clarity to our thinking. The effort needed to merely come into an inverted
balance forces the mind and body to become still, in the process "we become Sattvic, balanced and self-reliant in pain and pleasure, loss and gain, shame and fame, defeat and victory." By literally turning upside down we are also giving ourselves the opportunity to observe our situation with a reverse perspective bringing equanimity to the body and mind.
The head is also said to be the seat of Brahman, the soul. A theory that gains credibility when we look at how the brain functions in regards to sensation; it processes all our experiences but does not actually feel them. For example, when cut, the brain does not feel pain. In essence it becomes the observer of all the body''s physical experiences. To transcend the physical is what we are trying to achieve as Yogis. It follows then that the brain is the seat of Brahman; that aspect of our spirit which transcends all things, pleasurable and painful. Further proof of the brain''s eternal spirit is that it communicates through electrical pulsation. It is this pulsation/ prana that is understood to be our eternal life force or soul. So by inverting, we are offering our seat to Brahman, our small self is bowing down to our true Self.
When the brain is functioning with clarity, we can truly transcend our limitations because we begin to understand the brain''s qualities. Through knowledge comes bliss, through bliss comes liberation. It is an unhealthy mind that binds us and a healthy mind that allows for freedom. In headstand the fluctuations are calmed and in time hopefully stopped, allowing for Yoga to happen.
PREPARATION The whole weight of the body should be on the head, until this is perfected, make sure the weight is evenly distributed over both forearms and the crown of the head. If perfect balance is achieved it is said to feel weightless. Similar to the feeling we have when standing. We do not feel the intense pressure on the joints of the feet and ankles when standing, this should be the sensation in headstand.
The back of the head, the trunk, the back of the thighs and the heels should be in a line perpendicular to the floor and not inclined to one side. The throat, chin and breast bone should be in line. The tops and bottoms of the hands should also be on top of each other. This way the cupped hands will not adversely affect the position of the head.
The trunk from the pelvis to the waist should be kept perpendicular. If the pelvic area or the floating ribs are jutted forward or back it translates to the head and neck, bringing the body out of balance and putting too much weight onto the neck and/or all the weight onto the foreng the arms to strain.
The legs should be joined and ankles should be together with the toes pointed. The inner edges of the legs should be constantly lengthening toward the ceiling. Both sides of the body should be even and working together to lift the legs and trunk upward.
PROPS
The wall for balance, even for advanced students when trying variations.
Block between legs, placed by a partner to feel lift in the inner legs.
Padding for the head, neck and arms There should be a constant lift upward that is happening, engaging Mulabandha in this pose is very in creating and feeling this lift. The gaze should eventually be brought to the tip of the nose.
The time one stays in Headstand varies. A beginner should stay for at least 25 breaths, intermediate 50-75 breaths and more advanced students can stay in for 100 breaths or up to ten minutes. When coming down, it is best to keep the legs straight and slowly descend touching the toes on the floor, bending the knees. Without lifting the head, come to Child''s Pose for at least 5 breaths. If straight legs are impossible, bend the knees to the chest and come into Child''s Pose.
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