Shirshasana or the headstand is part of the finishing sequence in the Ashtanga vinyasa method. It has the same benefits as the salamba sarvangasana or the shoulderstand, only intensified. Some texts consider shirshasana as the king of all asanas while salamba sarvangasana, the queen.
Let us look at different texts and their views on the benefits of practicing shirshasana.
Rephrased from Astanga Yoga by Lino Miele:
The practice of sarvangasana and sirshasana are method for storing Amrtabindu or the vital life force. This vital life force is stored in the sahasrara chakra, the crown chakra. Unhealthy habits and lifestyles, eating badly, negative thinking, and evil deeds all deplete the store of Amrtabindu. When the vital life energy is depleted, life ceases.
From Yoga Mala by Sri Pattabhi Jois:
Through the practice of Shirshasana, the subtle nadis of the head - that is, those related to the brain and sense orgains, such as the eyes - are purified by an inflow of warm blood, and the power of memory is increased. Eye disease is destroyed, the eyes glow, and long-sightedness improves. The five sense organs, too, become purified.
...by means of this asana only - the bindu that results from the transformation of food into blood and is preserved through pure food and fresh air... is able to reach the sahasrara chakra.
From the Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar:
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 asana is a tonic for people whose rains tire quickly. It ensures a 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.
From the Sivananda Guide to Yoga by Lucy Lidell:
King of asanas, the Headstand or Sirshasana is one of the most powerfully beneficial postures for both body and mind. By reversing the normal effects of gravity, it rests the heart, aids your circulation, and relieves pressure on the lower back. Practiced regularly, it will help prevent back problems and improve memory, concentration, and the sensory faculties.
Mastering the headstand requires no strength. It is largely a matter of conquering your fears and believing you can do it.
From Lesson III of the Hathapradipika of Svatmarama:
Verse 78
The practice in which the navel is above and the palate below - the sun above and the moon below - is known as viparaitakarani. It can oly be learnt from the words uttered by a Guru.
Verse 79
This practice increases the gastric heat of a regular practitioner. One who practices it daily should procure and eat ample food. If he eats insufficient food, the increasing heat soon consumes his body.
Verse 80
On the first day one should remain for a very short time with one's head below and feet above. The duration of this practice should be gradually increased day by day.
Verse 81
Wrinkles and grey hair disappear after 6 months of practice. One who practices it regularly for three hours a day overcomes premature death.
From the Gheranda Samhita with Notes from Swami Kuvalyananda
Notes on Lesson III:30
The practice develops supreme vitality. According to Gorasa Sataka, this viparitakhyakaranam is called pratyahara because in this mudra the flow of the nectar from the moon to the sun is withheld.
From the Anatomy and Physiology of Yogic Practices by Dr. Makarand Madhukar Gore:
Page 77, points 9-10
In topsy-turvy postures, due to upside down position of the body the cardio-vascular reflex mechanisms are stimulated. The venous return becomes very easy as the gravitational force also helps the downward flow of blood. Brain receives sufficient quantity of blood easily. It refreshes the whole central nervous system. But in this condition, in order to prevent forceful blood flow towrads the brain, a new pattern of reflex mechanism is set for the circulation in the upper extremity. This type of training to the baroreceptors and the stretch receptors not only checks the forceful blood circulation to the brain during the posture but also maintains the blood pressure at the normal level for all the day-to-day activities of the body.
These topsy-turvy as well as the balancing asanas stimulate vestibular organis of balance and improve their function. Balancing against the gravity requires one's constant attention as well as a steady mind. A regular training of these organs in this way through balancing asanas would improve mental stability and concentration. This is mainly due to the fact that the external sensory inputs of the internal thought processes are greatly reduced when one remains aware of the balance.
From Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by David Coulter:
Chapter 8: The Headstand
Cardiovascular Benefits of the Headstand, page 445
... if we are inverted, the venous return from the lower extremeities is determined by the amount of blood pumped through the capillary beds, because once it gets into the venules it is quicly recirculated by the force of gravity... tissue fluids will flow more efficiently into the veins and lymph channels, and this will make for a healthier exchange of nutrients and wastes between cells and capillaries.
... increases blood pressure in the head and neck, the regions of the body that are filled with the body's regulatory mechanisms: the brain's hypothalamus... pituitary gland... and the brain itself.
Benefits, page 497
The headstand lifts your spirits wonderfuly. If something is drawing you down, turn upside down, and voila - the downward flow is upended into your head. The headstand is also a great morning wake-up. It increases digestive fire, counters depression, and fills you with enthusiasm for meeting your day. But doing this posture to excess is like increasing the voltage in an electrical circuit. Be careful.
"If you watch the breath, you will notice that it becomes finer and finer. In the beginning of practice, there will be slight difficulty in breathing. As you advance in practice, this vanishes entirely. You will find realy pleasure, exhiliration of spirit, in this asana." - Swami Sivananda, in Yoga Asanas, p.16.
And lastly from Asanas How and Why? by Sri O.P. Tiwari:
Benefits and Limitations, page 215-216
... if we are inverted, the venous return from the lower extremeities is determined by the amount of blood pumped through the capillary beds, because once it gets into the venules it is quicly recirculated by the force of gravity... tissue fluids will flow more efficiently into the veins and lymph channels, and this will make for a healthier exchange of nutrients and wastes between cells and capillaries.
... increases blood pressure in the head and neck, the regions of the body that are filled with the body's regulatory mechanisms: the brain's hypothalamus... pituitary gland... and the brain itself.
Benefits, page 497
The headstand lifts your spirits wonderfuly. If something is drawing you down, turn upside down, and voila - the downward flow is upended into your head. The headstand is also a great morning wake-up. It increases digestive fire, counters depression, and fills you with enthusiasm for meeting your day. But doing this posture to excess is like increasing the voltage in an electrical circuit. Be careful.
"If you watch the breath, you will notice that it becomes finer and finer. In the beginning of practice, there will be slight difficulty in breathing. As you advance in practice, this vanishes entirely. You will find realy pleasure, exhiliration of spirit, in this asana." - Swami Sivananda, in Yoga Asanas, p.16.
And lastly from Asanas How and Why? by Sri O.P. Tiwari:
Benefits and Limitations, page 215-216
- This increases the blood circulation in head and memory power is improved.
- This strengthens the nervous-centers of the whole body and maintains the health of endocrine gland.
- Digestive system is also benefitted through this asana.
- According to Swami Kuvalayanandahi, it is beneficial against congested throat, diseases of liver and spleen and in visceroptosis.
- Those suffering from high blood pressure, running ear or heart disease should not practice it.
- Those having cough or chronic cold also should not practice it.
- Persons suffering form constipation should practice it carefully.
Happy headstanding!
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