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Supported Headstand Pose

Difficulty Level

Focus

Strength, Balance

Body Parts Involved

Total Body, Core, Shoulders, Neck, Arms

Equipment

Yoga Block

Sanskrit Name

Salamba Sirsasana

Angle-Based Images: Supported Headstand Pose Video

Step 1 Pile two stacks of three yoga blocks each against the wall a little more than head-width apart with blocks on their thinnest height and the medium part of the blocks against the wall.

Step 2 Kneel facing the wall and place your hands on the ground in front of the blocks, fingertips grazing the blocks.

Step 3 Place your shoulders on the blocks, pointing your head toward the ground.

Step 4 Lengthen your legs and walk your feet toward your hands.

Step 5 Bend one knee in and bring your heel to your butt.

Step 6 Bend your other knee in and bring your heel toward your butt. Breathe in this egg shape.

Step 7 Slowly lengthen your legs as you reach your feet toward the ceiling. Feet can relax on the wall if you prefer. Try to breathe here for at least three deep breaths.

Prep. Poses

Tips

Do not jump into this pose.

Benefits

Lengthens the spine. Strengthens arms, shoulders, core, and lungs. Said to calm the brain and alleviate stress and mild depression. Therapeutic for sinusitis. Is alleged to stimulate glands which release hormones responsible for homeostasis and a sense of well-being. Thought to improve digestion.