Daily yoga tip: Shirshasana or headstand - a yoga asana to to relieve stress & improve digestion (Video)

This video will help you master the steps of doing a shirshasana or headstand properly.

Doing a headstand or shirshasana can be difficult if you are a beginner. You need strength on your shoulders and core to perform a headstand properly. This video guides you through the steps of doing this powerful inversion properly.

Benefits of shirshasana or headstand

• The inverted pose of shirshasana helps in improving blood circulation to the brain and eyes, increasing their efficiency.
• The freshly oxygenated blood from the brain stimulates the pituitary glands, increasing its effectiveness. The pituitary gland in turn activates all other hormone producing endocrine glands that help in relieving stress. Also try these yoga poses if you are stressed out.
• The upside-down position also aids digestion, especially if you are suffering from constipation.
• It strengthens the lungs and relieves cold, cough, sinusitis, sore throat and asthma.
• Shirshasana strengthens the core as it works on the muscles of the abdomen, back, shoulder, neck, and arms. Because of the increased pressure on the diaphragm, the headstand deepens and calms your breathing.

Beginners can also use the wall as a support in early stages as it will help them develop necessary strength in the neck and shoulders. Also, do not force yourself into this asana too soon, learn it in stages. Make sure that you are using a yoga mat or a cushion while practicing so that your head feels comfortable on the floor.

Image source: Getty Images

Video source: Zain Saraswati Jamal/YouTube

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