Sirsasana and sarvangasana (headstand and shoulderstand) are regarded as the ‘parent’ asanas.  On a physiological level, their beneficial effects are systemic, but their effect go beyond the physical and physiological.  These two practices also complement each other beautifully.  But to derive the full benefit of these asanas - and to continue to derive their benefits for a long time to come - it is essential to refine them. We should not consistently feel pain and discomfort in the headstand - either while being in the position, or after coming out of it.  Especially in sirsasana, corrections might be required in several areas.

We believe sirsasana should be learned under the guidance of a trained instructor, and we do not attempt to teach sirsasana in any of our recorded sessions. The sessions in this Short Course present the most common sirsasana (headstand) mistakes, and strategies to correct them.

This Short Course is in 7 parts.

• Part 1: 'Practice to Complement Sirsasana - Upper Body Focus': This first part is a good upper body strengthening and toning practice by itself, and can be attempted by experienced beginner even if they have not yet started a sirsasana practice.
• Part 2:  'Practice to Complement Sirsasana - Lower Body Focus': This second part focuses on the lower limbs (although you will find that preparation for the upper limbs from the previous session is essential).
• Part 3: 'Correcting the 'Banana' shape in Headstand': the pelvis moving forward, and the feet falling back in sirsasana - gives a ‘banana’ '- like shape to the body. We look at corrections that can be done while in sirsasana, and also at preparations that can be done before going up into sirsasana, to minimise the ‘banana’ shape.
• Part 4: 'Sirsasana Feet Ahead of the Head, Instead of Being in Line with it': a good opportunity to reflect upon all of the reasons that lead to this shape: pelvic tilt/ weakness in inner and back thighs, restricted ability to expand the front part of the body, and, fear.
• Part 5: 'Lifted Shoulders - the Essential Ingredient to Avoid Neck Strain, and to Experience Lightness in Headstand':
• Part 6: 'Diagnosing Tilts and Turns in Sirsasana': This is a short session, detailing the position of arms, hands, and fingers.  We also explore some ways to diagnose tilts and turns in sirsasana.
• Part 7: 'Correcting Tilts and Turns in Sirsasana': simple ways of working with rotational tilts, both before going into sirsasana, and also while being in the position.

Tag words: headstand sirsasana