What is Half Headstand?

Half headstand, or ardha sirsasana in Sanskrit, is a preparatory pose for full headstand. Here, the toes remain on the ground as the yogi builds upper body strength and confidence.

Instructions

• Begin in on all fours. Place the forearms on the floor and the elbows no wider than the shoulders.
• Interlace the fingers, pinkies on the floor.
• Place the top of the head on the floor. Cup the back of the head with the palms.
• Inhale and straighten the legs. Walk the feet toward the hands until the torso is perpendicular to the floor.
• Breathe while holding the pose.

Cautions

• Avoid this pose if there is migraine, neck or spinal injury, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, or brain injury.

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• Avoid this pose if there you are prone to migraines, or have neck or spinal injury, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, or brain injury.

Benefits of Half Headstand

• Strengthens the shoulders, neck and back
• Tones the abdominal muscles
• Improves balance
• Brings fresh blood to the brain
• Benefits the pituitary and thyroid glands
• Builds confidence for more advanced inversions

,

• Strengthens the shoulders, neck and back
• Tones the abdominal muscles
• Improves balance
• Brings fresh blood to the brain
• Benefits the pituitary and thyroid glands
• Builds confidence for more advanced inversions