Shirshasana Health Benefits

Shirshana/ Headstand is also called the King of all yoga asanas. It has several health benefits and it is not very hard to achieve the posture with the help of an qualified teacher. You should not practice it at home if you are not comfortable and confident with the headstand. Shirshasana should be held for about 25 breaths, but if it is too much just hold it as long as it feels nice and comfortable. You can even hold the asana for just 5 breaths and with time and experience you will increase the breath count in this posture naturally.
In Ashtanga after the 25 breaths you can also lower your legs to 90 degrees and hold them for 5 breaths and afterwards you lift the legs back up and lower down x5 and finally you come down completely and ALWAYS stay in Balasana/ Childs pose for a few breaths before lifting your body upright. If you get up straight away after a headstand all the blood from head rushes downwards too fast and you can get a head rush, feel dizzy or faint.

• It supplies an enriched oxygenated blood to the brain cells

• It flushes fresh nutrients and oxygen to the face, creating a glowing effect on the skin

• Increases nutrients and blood flow to your scalp, which helps with hair loss problems

• Pituitary and hypothalamus glands get a fresh blood flow and these glands are vital for our wellbeing aw they regulate all other glands in our bodies.

• Adrenal glands are flushed and detoxified, which creates more positive thoughts and negativity and depression decreases

• Blood sugar levels are decreased if practiced regularly

• Headstand gives a rest to the heart and reduces unnecessary strain 

• Can decrease the possibility of occurrence of varicose veins

• Improves digestive system

• It strengthens deep core muscles especially when lowering the legs to 90 degrees

• Memory improvements and sleeping disorders have been improved if practiced regularly