Supported Headstand

Ardha Shirshasana

Level: Intermediate

 

Instructions

1. From Table pose, bring the crown of the head flat to the floor. Slide the palms back a few inches until the elbows are bent at right angles.

2. Tuck the back toes under and straighten the legs. Walk the toes in until you can carefully lift the right knee and place it on top of the right elbow. Carefully place bring the left knee to the left elbow. Let the weight of your body primarily on the crown of the head, using the arms for additional support and balance.

3. Breathe deeply and hold for 3-6 breaths.

4. To release: exhale and carefully step one foot back to the floor at a time. Bring the knees to the floor and press into Child pose.

5. Repeat on other side.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Headstand prep improves memory and concentration, nourishes facial skin and hair, relieves organ prolapse, and stimulates the crown chakra. This pose improves circulation and simulates the immune system.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the head, neck or spine.  Unmedicated high blood pressure, glaucoma.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: Place a folded blanket under the head.

Variations: This pose is the beginning stage of full headstand pose..

Vinyasa

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Table, Down Dog, Cat, Dog.

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Child, Table, Down Dog, Plank.

Share with

Friends & Students

Explore More

Forward Bending Poses
  • Standing Splits • urdhva prasarita eka padasana

    Standing Splits

  • Crescent Moon

    Crescent Moon

  • Wind Relieving Pose / pavana muktasana

    Wind Relieving Pose

  • Accomplished Pose / siddhasana

    Accomplished Pose

  • half shoulder stand /ardha sarvangasana

    Half Shoulder Stand

  • Upward Bow • Urdhva Dhanurasana

    Wheel Pose

  • Warrior 3 Yoga Pose • virabhadrasana III

    Warrior III

  • Crocodile Pose • makarasana

    Crocodile

Remove Ads with a

Premium Membership

Viewing ads supports YogaBasics, which allows us to continue bringing you quality yoga content. Sign up for a premium membership to remove all ads and enjoy uninterrupted access to the best yoga resources on the web.

Categories for Supported Headstand

Asana Type

Focus

Chakras

Elements

Explore More

Yoga TipsAdviceArticlesPracticesBasicsTechniques

  • eating before yoga

    Snack Attack: What to Eat Before Yoga

  • Brahma Muhurta

    Brahma Muhurta: Definition, Benefits and Tips

  • Sattvic Food

    6 Sattvic Foods to Make Your Diet More Yogic

  • Restarting a yoga practice

    11 Ways to Reboot Your Yoga Practice

  • Morning Yoga Tips

    12 Morning Yoga Tips to Start and Sustain Your Practice

  • comfortable yoga clothes

    Tips To Dress Comfortably While Practicing Yoga

  • yoga balance tips

    The Best Tips to Boost Your Balance in Yoga

  • Aerial Yoga

    Lifting Off with Aerial Yoga: Definition, Benefits and Tips

  • Non-Judgement Yoga

    How to Practice Non-Judgment in Yoga and Meditation

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yoga Basics