Turn health on its head

Eka pada sirsasana means one-legged headstand in Sanskrit. Among many things, a headstand brings health and vitality.

For those who cannot perform a full headstand, Eka pada sirsasana means you can still reap most of the benefits of a full headstand.

This posture helps relax the body while still building strength and stability. It prevents hairfall and improves complexion through the increase of blood circulation to the head.

Procedure

• Come to a kneeling position (vajrasana).
• Bend forward, rest the top of your head on the floor. Interlock your hands and place them around your head to support it, making a triangle position between your interlocked hands and your elbows.
• Tuck your toes under, lift your hips upwards, straightening your legs. Use your arms to bear most of the weight of the body. You will still feel some pressure on your head.
• Extend your left leg upwards. Hold the final posture for up to 1 minute, breathing normally. Slowly lower your leg, then your hips. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits

• It strengthens the arms, the legs, the abdomen and the spine.
• It provides a stretch to the groin and the legs.
• It improves balance.
• It soothes the brain.
• It stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands.

Caution

Do not practise if you have a back or a neck injury, high BP or a heart condition.

Bharat Thakur guides you through practices that will connect you to the wisdom of the ancient Indian science of exercising.