Is Shirshasana safe during pregnancy? Check out the health benefits of this yoga asana

Check out the health benefits of Shirshasana 

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, who got married on December 11, 2017, are all set to become parents soon. The power couple that is expecting their first bundle of joy in January next year left social media users spellbound recently by sharing a pic. And the pic in question showed Anushka doing the Shirshasana with Virat helping her maintain her balance by holding her legs. Though it was a throwback pic, it clearly showed Anushka's baby bump. The pretty lady, by her own admission, continued to perform yoga asanas during pregnancy. She revealed that she enjoys performing yoga asanas which have been an integral part of her life. However, she mentioned that she practised yoga during pregnancy under the guidance of her instructor and with ample support from her husband. So what is Shirshasana and what are its health benefits? Is it safe during pregnancy? Read on to know more.

What is Shirshasana?

The Shirshasana is a yoga asana where the practitioner balances the entire weight of his/her body upside down with his/her forearms and head on the floor. It is one of the most difficult asanas to do. 

And it takes tremendous courage and confidence to do it during pregnancy. In the pic shared by Anushka, she uses the wall for support even as Virat holds her legs to give her the much-needed assistance.

Health benefits of Shirshasana

• The main purpose of Shirshasana is to increase the blood supply to the brain and nourish the brain cells. 
• It helps in calming the mind and relieving stress/anxiety.
• It also assists in reducing/relieving migraine and headaches.
• This asana may also help in controlling diabetes as it boosts the pituitary gland.
• Strengthens arms and shoulder.
• Improves eyesight by increasing blood supply to the eyes.
• It reduces hair fall and strengthens hair roots by increasing blood supply to the head area and scalp.
• Aids and improves digestion.
• Lessens/prevents fluid accumulation in the thigh, calf, feet and ankle.
• Strengthens lungs and, in turn, increases the body's resistance power to ward off common cold and cough. Thus, it boosts the respiratory system.

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Is it safe to perform Shirshasana during pregnancy?

Whether or not one can do Shirshasana during pregnancy is subjective. It entirely depends on a woman's fitness level, the phase of pregnancy, her overall health condition and that of the baby in the womb. Moreover, a pregnant woman must consult her doctor/health experts before doing exercises and yoga asanas. And even if she is allowed to do practise certain yoga asanas, they must be performed under expert guidance.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.