HOW TO DO THE "HEAD STAND" AND ITS BENEFITS.

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How To Do The "Head Stand" And Its Benefits.

WRITTEN BY | MANGYLEE

Many have been asking me on how I sustain my body weight just by standing on my head .Well practice makes perfect and this position is for advanced yoga and it requires a lot of skill to attain it .Please note if you have had any neck ,shoulder or head injury do not attempt this position. Kids also under the age of seven should not attempt this as their spine is still delicate and cannot withstand their whole body weight just by thier shoulders. Make sure there is a three hour gap before your eating and yoga routine and foremost when attempting this pose .For all beginners make sure you are using the wall as a source of strength and there has to be a lot of cushions or blankets around you in case you fall well you will fall I did thrice whilst attempting it for the first time.

Well a headstand is one of the invesions positions that falls under the advanced yoga category. It has two variations which is the tripod headstand and bound headstand .This helps in opening the lungs and hormonal flow amongst other benefits which I will explore in the article. Remember Yoga is for the willing and patience is required if your body is refusing to attempt a pose better stop and try some other time.All beginners are required to hold this position for 8 seconds aand once you are good at it you can hold it for 11 seconds.

HOW TO DO A HEADSTAND

* Measure out the appropriate elbow width by placing opposite hands at the inside base of your upper arms.

* Keep your elbows in this position as you place them down on your mat.

* Bring your hands together to create a triangle shape with your forearms.

* Interlace your fingers, opening your palms and thumbs.

*Place the tips of your pinky fingers together so that the bottom of your hands has a more stable base.

* Place the top of your head on the mat inside your hands.

* Lift your hips and straighten your legs.

*Walk your feet toward your head, bringing your hips above your shoulders.

*Gently bring your knees in toward your chest.

*Hold this position for 8 seconds.

* Slowly straighten your legs.

Benefits Of Doing The Headstand

Improves Blood Circulation

While standing straight, the blood in the body typically flows downwards, in gravity's direction. When you’re upside down in a headstand, however, blood rushes towards the upper body. So if you do this everyday, you’re making sure that the blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients for the cells, is transported across all organs.

Aids Digestion

Another benefit that results from better blood circulation is improved digestion. When your body is inverted, blood flows towards the digestive system, nourishing all the vital organs that contribute to the digesting process. Moreover, it releases trapped gases from the system, enabling an easier and faster digestive process.

Balances Hormones

Hormonal imbalances are a common problem among today’s generation, resulting in severe problems like indigestion, diabetes, thyroid, infertility and osteoporosis. One of the main reasons is a sedentary lifestyle with little to no physical activity. While doing a headstand, the kidneys, pancreas, thyroid and other organs are relieved of stiffness and weakness, which balances the hormones.

Reduces Back Pain

While doing a headstand, your body has to be in complete alignment. This erect posture helps strengthen the back, alleviating any pain that exists in its muscles. Also, it pumps blood to the soft tissues lining the spine, giving it an abundant supply of oxygen and nutrients that allay stiffness, thus improving its flexibility and mobility.

Strengthens Arms And Shoulders

In a headstand, the weight of your entire body is borne by your arms and shoulders, which results in them becoming stronger, more enduring every time. It helps get rid of arm flab, giving your arms more definition. The shoulders are toughened such that they can carry heavy weights with ease.

Decreases Fluid Build Up In The Lower Body

A lesser discussed problem that stems from leading an inactive lifestyle in fluid build up in parts of the body that have become stiff. When you sit or stand in a position for too long, the blood vessels in your legs leak of a fluid called edema. The accumulation of edema causes swelling, pain and sometimes, immobility. When you’re in a headstand, the buildup of fluids like edema in your lower body is forced to move, which makes you feel light on your feet.

Promotes Healthy Hair

When you do a headstand, the blood pumped to the upper body also reaches your heap and scalp. The rush of oxygen and nutrients to its cells opens up clogged hair follicles, resulting in faster, longer and healthier growth of hair. If you’re suffering from hair loss or greys, simply turn upside down and give your scalp a boost of nutrients.

Makes Your Skin Glow

The rush of blood to the upper body also reaches the facial muscles, replenishing them with oxygen and nutrients. The increased oxygen supply opens up clogged pores and allays acne. The nutrients, on the other hand, reduce dryness and dehydration. All in all, it gets your face to look glowy and radiant. Strengthens The Core Muscles

While you're in a headstand, your body has to be in one straight line. To maintain this alignment, you need to continuously engage your core muscles. By doing this, the strength, endurance and flexibility of these muscles increases, making you fitter and stronger in the process.

Puts You In A Better Mood

When blood is pumped to the brain, the release of hormones like dopamine, serotonin and melatonin is stimulated, which can otherwise only be attained by doing a full-blown workout. These hormones have a calming effect on your mind and effectively reduce your stress levels.

"a headstand is one of the invesions positions that falls under the advanced yoga category. It has two variations which is the tripod headstand and bound headstand .This helps in opening the lungs and hormonal flow amongst other benefits"