Salamba Sirsasana I.

"Salamba means support. Sirsa means the head.this is the headstand pose, one of the most important Yogic asanas. It is the basic posture. It has several variations, which are described later in the Sirsasana cycle. Its mastery gives one balanc and poise, both physically and mentally. "

Light on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar

Benefits of Sirsasana written by B.K.S Iyengar in LOY

"Regular practice of Sirsasana makes healthy pure blood flow through the brain cells. This rejuvenates them so that thinking power increases and thoughts become clearer. The asanna is a tonic for people showe brains tire quickly. It ensures proper blood supply to the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain. Our growth, health and vitality depend on the proper functioning of these two glands."

***Please note that one must have a regular practice of the standing poses, Adho Mukha Svanasana and Salamba Sarvangasana(Shoulder Stand) before learning how to do Sirsasana.

Sarvangasana is taught before learning Sirsasana but when practicing in a series, Sirsasana should be before Sarvangasana. Sarvagasana does not have to immediately follow Sirsasana but should be done at some point in the sequence. ****

Sirsasana and its cycle should always be followed by Sarvangasana and its cycle. It has been observed that people who devote themselves to Sirsasana alone without doing the Sarvangasana poses are apt to lose their temper over trifling things and become irritated quickly. (Light On Yoga page 189)

Also note that if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, cervical issues to consult an experienced teacher on modifications that can be done. Women that are menstruating should not do inversions when on their cycle.*

Sirsasana is Tadasana upside down. The shoulders descend away from the ears as the crown of the head lengthens up to the ceiling. The thighs roll from the outside in, the buttocks descends to the heels as the tailbone moves in, the pubic bone back.

Practice balancing the weight evenly on your feet in Tadasana working with the actions of the legs the shoulders the chest, and then go into Sirsasana with the same actions except with the elbows, forearms and wrists being the foundation of the pose.

Watch B.K.S Iyengar talk about Sirsasana:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F9uptI0LE0&t=407s This link is in Estes Park, Co . I was here for this one:)

Fingers in Sirsasana , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Dm3WcFIwg

John Schumacher link on how to pracitce Sirsasana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHN_f5eBJjA