Things to Consider when practicing Salamba Sirasana/Supported Head Stand
Salamba Sirasana is known as the king of all asanas because it refreshes our brain which is known to be the kind of our body, soul and mind. Here are some things to consider while inverting into this pose.
1. Nothing Sturdy is built on a shaky foundation
Take time to align your body, fire up strength, maintain balance, and find a calm breathing pattern so that you can build your foundation first. Utilize props such as a blanket, or a wall.
2. Have the Courage to Fall
Gather your courage, focus on the thought of being courageous and do not let fear be the mindset. When upside down, fear can set in from the idea of falling. the best way to overcome this fear is to face with equanimity the situation in which you fear.
To fall is not as terrible as it seems. Even if you fall you can gracefully topple down. If loss of balance occurs, loosen the grip of the fingers, relax, go limp, flex the knees, roll over and smile. :)
3. Momentary Subtle Adjustments
Have patience when inverting. It takes time for your mind to become oriented in your surroundings while balancing on the top of your head.
Watch for adjusting subtle movements while inverting. When we stand on our feet we dont think twice, it comes naturally, so we start standing incorrectly. This in itself needs attention and care for proper distribution of weight and keeping a healthy posture (See Tadasana to understand how to stand equally).
So, just like standing, Sirsasana must be practiced properly, otherwise it will lead to pain in the neck, head, and back.
4. Time Limit
Beginners can hold for 2 to 5 minutes while advanced students can hold for 10 to 15 minutes, which all depends on your capacity. Each time you practice, see if you can hold for a little longer than the last.
5. Harmony
Move harmoniously with the breath. Exhalation with every movement. Inhalation while waiting in a position or transition.
When floating the legs up straight, move harmoniously and slow so that the flow of the blood to the head is controlled.
With regular practice of Salamba Sirsasana you may soon experience the benefits of a healthy pure blood flow through brain cells, clear thoughts, proper blood supply to the pituitary and pineal glands, better sleep, increased memory, more energy, disciplines the mind, improves hemoglobin, and expands the horizon of the spirit.
