Salamba Sirsasana

The name of this asana is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘salamba’ meaning with support, ‘sirsa’, meaning head and ‘asana’ meaning posture.

Instructions: Place a soft blanket on the floor to cushion your head before you start the asana. Then, kneel down on the floor on your forearms and interlace your fingers. The forearms should be pressed firmly into the floor and the elbows spread out shoulder width apart. Place the crown of your head on the blanket in a manner that it fits against your clasped hands. Breathe in, lift your knees and tip toe towards your elbows. Lift your thighs and your sitting bones so that your body forms an inverted ‘V’. Keep the torso straight and do not curve the spine. As you breathe out, lift your feet off the floor. It is important to lift both the feet together. You can keep the knees slightly bent as you push up. Slowly and without jerking, push your heels up towards the ceiling till the body is aligned in a straight line, perpendicular to the floor. Keep your tail bone tightly squeezed through the asana and balance your body on your forearms. Hold the pose for about 10 seconds initially and gradually increase it to a maximum of five minutes. Fold the legs at the knees while bringing the legs down to ease out of the pose.

Benefits:

• It stimulates and regulates the pineal and pituitary glands.
• It improves blood circulation and rejuvenates all the vital internal organs.
• It revitalizes the reproductive organs and is particularly beneficial for curing infertility and menopausal symptoms.
• It calms the mind and is very useful in stress relief.
• It rejuvenates the lungs and is useful in curing asthma and sinusitis.
• It tones the digestive system and improves its functioning.

Caution:

• Avoid this asana if you have a heart condition or are suffering from spinal , neck or shoulder injury.
• People with blood pressure should avoid the asana.
• This is an advanced pose and should be practiced under supervision only.