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
  • Revolved Half Moon

    Revolved Half Moon

  • Half Pyramid • ardha parsvottanasana

    half pyramid

  • Half Wind Relieving Pose

    Half Wind Relieving Pose

  • Extended Hand to Toe / utthita hasta padangusthasana

    Extended Hand to Toe

  • Standing Yoga Seal / dandayamana yoga mudrasana

    Standing Yoga Seal

  • Hero pose / Virasana

    Hero

  • Parsvottanasana • Pyramid

    Pyramid

  • Supta Virasana • Supine Hero Pose

    Supine Hero

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

  • yoga pranayama breathing

    Breathing Through the Challenges of Pranayama

  • Warrior Poses

    The 5 Warrior Poses of Yoga

  • yoga with a beginners mind

    9 Ways to Practice Yoga with a Beginner’s Mind

  • evening yoga

    6 Benefits of Practicing Yoga Before Bedtime

  • yoga stretching exercise

    Yoga vs. Stretching: What’s the Difference?

  • hot yoga

    Hot Yoga: Definition, Benefits, Cautions and Tips for Newbies

  • Yoga Nidra

    Yoga Nidra: Meaning, Benefits, Videos and Tips

  • Yoga practice community

    How to Find Your Practice Community

  • A yoga community

    The Importance Of Having a Practice Community

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Yoga Basics