To headstand (Sirasana) or not?!

Thoughts on the journey to a headstand!

A controversial topic in yoga is the headstand. As a beginner it feels like how could that be humanly possible and surely I will break my neck?! As we delve deeper into practice then we start to understand how it might be possible........

Chattarangas are key

I often tell students that are trying to develop their headstand the key is your chattarangas. If you are not bearing your own weight in a vinyasa (where the feet are on the floor) how can you be expected to bear your own weight when you're upside down?!

Proper alignment in chattaranga to foster shoulder strength is key and core strength is important for staying up and feeling stable. Developing these two areas will avoid too much weight being placed on the neck which can be dangerous. Another way to protect the neck is to try for a tripod headstand (as opposed to a traditional headstand with the forearms on the wall). Your weight is more balanced when you're in the tripod shape.

Use a wall!

Let's not be daft and ignore the fact that balancing on your head is an usual way for the human being to position itself - so start at the wall.

Don't kick up!

Kicking up to handstand or forearm stand is ok but if you're trying a headstand it needs to be slow and controlled to protect your neck.

Practice practice practice and practice again!

There's a reason why it's called yoga practice! Try these tips and practice whenever you can - eventually you will get it!