I do not practice yoga regularly, to my great regret, but I use some poses for stretching or warming up before strength exercises. And I do the headstand quite often – to be honest, because I just like to do it and because it is not at all difficult, as it seemed to me earlier from the outside))) Especially if you do the stand near the wall.
And the regular performance of the headstand has a whole list of health benefits, for example:
- Relieves stress
The headstand is known as the cooling pose, which means that it helps you draw all your attention inward. This position is extremely useful if you are worried about neuroses, stress, fears or other conditions associated with increased anxiety. Doing a headstand with long, slow breaths is a good recipe for stress.
- Increases concentration
By turning upside down, you increase blood flow to the brain. This makes it possible to improve mental function and increase concentration. Helping in the fight against fear and anxiety, this posture allows you to maintain clarity of consciousness and sharpness of mind.
- Improves blood circulation in the eye area
When you roll over, blood rushes to your head, bringing in extra oxygen. This means your eyes are getting more oxygen too. It helps prevent macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
- Increases blood flow to the scalp and scalp
The headstand is a surprisingly useful position to optimize the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles. Perhaps with constant practice, your hair will become much thicker!
- Improves digestion
With the reverse effect of gravity on the digestive organs, the body begins to free itself from stagnant masses; excess gases come out, blood flow to all important digestive organs improves. Thus, the headstand improves the absorption of nutrients and their delivery to the cells. If you add proper belly breathing to it, you get a double effect.
- Reduces fluid build-up in legs, ankles, feet
Feet swelling is very unpleasant and often occurs when you spend a lot of time on your feet. By reversing the direction of the effect of gravity on fluids in the body, you get rid of excess fluid, so that the swelling goes away.
- Strengthens core muscles
The headstand is one of the most challenging physical exercises. You need to tense your core muscles to hold your legs and keep your balance. By doing the headstand, you work the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and back to minimize pressure on your head and tension in your neck.
- Stimulates the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system removes waste from the body and helps remove waste products from the blood. When you stand on your head, you directly stimulate the lymphatic system and thereby help flush out toxins from the body.
Risks and precautions
The headstand is beneficial for mental and physical well-being, but many people are wary of the possible risks and therefore do not practice this posture.
I recommend only training with a qualified headstand trainer. And consult your doctor before starting to roll over: there are a number of contraindications (neck, head, shoulder, arm, wrist or back injuries, high blood pressure, hearing or vision problems, pregnancy).
It is important to do the stance correctly, warm up first, and in a good mood. Many people experience a negative attitude towards rollover mainly due to the fear of falling. Therefore, at first, insure yourself by performing a roll over near a wall.