Though by no means a professional, I have been a devotee of yoga for many years and, of late, have taken to incorporating many of the poses into my own personal workout regimen at home. One of my faves, Sirsasana, or the headstand, as it is more popularly known, has yielded many benefits that are definitely worth sharing on this WORKOUT WEDNESDAY.
That said, if you’ve never attempted the pose before, please be sure to practise with a professional and to stay away from it if you have neck and/or back issues, or are currently pregnant.
1. STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress is unavoidable on the journey called life, but sometimes the daily share is more than we can bear. Headstand to the rescue. Just 10 minutes a day in this cooling pose has the ability to focus attention inwards that is especially calming and restorative when coupled with deep slow yoga breaths.
2. INCREASES FOCUS
In addition to stress-busting, the blood-flow inducing inversion also has an amazing ability to reinvigorate focus and accentuate mental clarity and acuity. So the next time you find yourself wandering off or fluttering lids to keep from dozing, try a headstand instead.
3. UPS BLOOD FLOW TO THE HEAD AND SCALP
Yet another rumoured benefit of optimizing all that nutrient flow to the head and scalp? Many swear it leads to hair rejuvenation and new growth … Yeah, we’re all over that mane event too. 😉
4. INCREASES SHOULDER, ARM & UPPER BODY STRENGTH
While the inversion does all kinds of fabulous for the overall bod, the strong push on arms has its way with the back and upper body too. A double whammy. Push-ups be scared.
5. IMPROVES DIGESTION
Reversing gravity on digestive organs not only helps to move around stubborn material stuck unhealthily in the gut, but also gets rid of trapped gases while upping blood flow to key digestive organs and increasing the absorption of vital nutrients. Burping and heartburn is so 2017.
6. HEIGHTENS CORE STRENGTH
We’ve all heard how important it is to maximize core strength to prevent injury and promote overall good health. Luckily, this rockstar position hones in on all of that as well, encouraging excellent balance too.
7. STIMULATES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Finally the position that keeps on giving helps to streamline functioning of the crucial lymphatic system, otherwise known as the bod’s garbage dump system. How? Inversion directly stimulates this removal of waste and toxins in a supreme way that cannot be overemphasized.
Ready to grandstand the headstand? Hope so. The benefits are waiting …