What is Shirshasana in Yoga

[paul linus]

Because your core, or torso, must be engaged to maintain balance and spinal alignment, any asana involving these two principles will strengthen the abdominal region when done correctly. Assume the same arm position as in dolphin pose, but place your head on the ground with the back of the skull resting against your hands, which should be loosely clasped. Headstand may first be attempted against a wall, kicking the legs up one at a time. Let the heels rest against the wall, then use the abdominals to straighten the body and balance the legs away from the wall. The key to raising the legs up together and straight is, of course, engaging the abdominal muscles. With your toes curled and legs straight, walk the feet towards the head. Let the buttocks tilt back as your legs rise up off the ground. As the feet come above the torso, the buttocks will come back towards the midline of the body to maintain balance. The weight of the lower body is stabilized and supported by the torso. Once balance in the neutral position is achieved with ease, try twisting from the hips from one side to the other to further challenge the abdominal area. This asana also tones the internal organs, improves circulation, and calms and focuses the mind.