1. What You Should Know
The benefits of power yoga headstands are vast and include improved circulation to the head, spinal alignment, stimulation of the endocrine glands and even regulation of sleep; however, they are not for everyone and must be performed with caution. Before you do power yoga headstands, be aware that they should not be performed by those with neck pain or injury, constipation, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or serious eye conditions. If you have doubts, speak to your doctor before beginning.
2. Beginner Basics
Learning how to do yoga headstands is not easy and will take time, patience and practice. Begin with the basics, gaining strength as you become accustomed to the upside down position. Place your yoga mat in a corner and kneel with your hands intertwined in front of you. Place the top of your head in front of your hands, supporting the back of your head and then lift your knees so that you are resting on your toes. Walk your feet in towards your body as far as possible, leaning your backside against the corner. In this and in more advanced headstands, all of your weight should fall into your arms, and not your head so as not to strain the neck, so use this position to build your upper body strength. Hold this position for 15 seconds and then slowly relax down, resting with your knees and forehead on the mat for another 15 seconds. Continue this modification everyday for a week or more.
3. Moving On Up
When ready, do a supported power yoga headstand, moving into the same position at the corner of a wall, but now lifting your legs straight up and then resting your body against the wall. Again, make sure that your weight falls into your arms, strengthening the upper body to prevent neck strain during yoga headstands. Hold for fifteen seconds and then very carefully lower your legs one at a time and rest with your head down on your mat for at least 15 seconds.
4. Strong and Stable
Only when you feel extremely comfortable with the supported headstand should you begin to gradually move away from the wall, inch by inch, until eventually you can support yourself in the inverted position without help. Do not push the process, as it could take several months to build the strength needed. To begin, hold the headstand for only 15 seconds, adding 10 to 15 seconds each week; however, never hold a headstand for longer than 12 minutes.
Member Comments