Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand) – Overview
Asana Digest Overview
Poses
Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand) / Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A (Bound Hands Headstand Posture)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Inversion Poses.
Poses Overview
Salamba Sirsasana
sah-LOM-bah shear-SHAW-sa-nuh
“salamba” = with support
“sirsa” = head
Supported Headstand
Also known as: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A (Bound Hands Headstand Posture)
Heart of Pose
Inversion
Notes
- Called the “King of Postures” due to numerous internal and energetic benefits.
- Not a pose for beginners. Attempting pose before physically ready can lead to injury.
- Holding pose longer than comfortably able can lead to injury.
- See Cautions above for contraindications, determining readiness, and concerns related to the neck.
Much More in this Digest
Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.
Related Support
To view this page and thousands more, we invite you to join Yoga Teacher Central, serving teachers since 2012.
You'll get instant access to a massive, organized library of practical and time-tested lessons, plans, and support for yoga teachers and trainers.
The entire site is member-supported and ad-free.