Yoga posture - Parsva Sirsasana
Translation: Side Headstand
This is this Side Headstand. It is entered from the
Headstand.
Rotate the legs keeping the tailbone tucked in. Allow the elbow on the side you twist too to open a little. This will allow better balance. Try to keep the head and neck straight.
Allowing the chest to open will create an arch in the back and allow you to twist more. Opposite you can see the Side Headstand with the very vertical line and the deep version which is a little harder on the lower back.
Try to keep the legs pushing together in the way. You can point through the toes, heels or ball points of the toes.
Do not allow the neck to collapse on one side. Be aware of both sides of the neck and the strength and energy that runs down them.
Always tuck the navel in to create a lock in the abdominal region. This will help to maintain stability in this area and take some pressure off the discs in the lower back.
Tips
Breathing really shifts the body during this posture. It is hard to maintain
balance while breathing deeply. Therefore enter with an exhalation and breath
light, shallow breaths until confidence in balance is gained. Slowly deepen the
breath while maintaining balance.
One side of the neck is compressed while performing this posture. Look at the
picture opposite. Make sure this does not compress too much. The elements must
still flow through the neck.
It is natural to twist as much as possible. Do not over twist in postures
that require balance. It will interfere with breathing.
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