Mumbai: Headstands, or Sirsasana, are advanced yoga poses that involve balancing on your head with your body inverted. This pose offers numerous benefits from strengthening upper body muscles to increasing lung capacity. It can also help alleviate stress and boost digestion. However, it is crucial to practice headstands safely to avoid potential risks.

Headstands are a rewarding and effective pose when practised correctly and safely. By inverting the body, blood flow to the brain increases, promoting a sense of focus and reducing stress.

Improper technique or holding the pose for too long can lead to neck strain, dizziness, or muscle fatigue. It is essential to start slowly, with short durations, and gradually build strength. Proper training, listening to your body, and following safety tips are recommended to practice headstands safely and effectively.

This guide will walk you through the correct way to perform a headstand, the key benefits, and who should avoid this pose due to specific health concerns.

Improved circulation: One of the primary benefits of headstands is the improvement in circulation. When you invert your body, gravity helps reverse the normal flow of blood, sending it toward your head and brain.

This enhanced blood flow helps increase oxygen levels and nutrients to the brain, potentially improving mental alertness, focus, and overall brain function. Moreover, this inversion aids in stimulating circulation throughout the body, especially in the upper torso, which can help improve overall cardiovascular health.

Strengthened upper body: Holding a headstand is a full-body workout, but it particularly targets the upper body. To maintain balance, the arms, shoulders, and core must bear much of the body’s weight, which helps to build strength in these areas.

Over time, regular practice of headstands can significantly enhance shoulder stability and arm strength, as well as engage deep abdominal muscles, making the core stronger and more toned.

Boosted lung capacity: The act of being inverted during a headstand encourages deeper, more controlled breathing. The diaphragm expands more fully when inverted, helping to strengthen lung function.

The increased focus on breathing while in the pose can also promote more effective oxygen........

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