Recently, I decided to try a headstand...........and, I was so excited to realize, I've still got it! Well, I mean I can still do it at 52 yrs of age! Lol ~ Needless to say, it had my adrenalin pumping and I was stoked.
Well since I know I am able to still do headstands, my curiosity was peaked on......."hm-m-m are there actually benefits to doing headstands?"
Here is what I found:
First off, it is a yoga move ~ which means, as a child I was doing yoga.......without even realizing it.
Doing daily headstands help to strengthen the deep core muscles by engaging the obliques to hold straight in a headstand for an extended period of time. Also the rectus abdominus and the transverse abdominus. To really engage and strengthen the core, pike the legs by lifting and/or lowering both legs at the same time when coming out of the pose.
Watch this video for some tips:
Youtube.com/How to do a proper headstand
Headstand for Beginners
Headstands are considered the King of Yoga Poses........because of their many benefits. They improve not only brain function and mood............but, also upper body strength. When done in correct alignment we use many muscles: arms, upper back and core. They also require moderate shoulder strength......so, if you are not ready to support your own weight in an upside down position......do not try, they can be dangerous to your neck and spine.
And, to top it off, headstands can help eliminate our chances of having an ischemic stroke.
It is no surprise headstands also increase nutrients and blood flow to our scalp, which supposedly decreases the onset of grey hair.......according to some yogis, it may convert hair back to its natural color. Now that is something to think about.
Did you know by doing a headstand we are also flushing and detoxing the adrenal glands. By doing so, it is said to create positive thoughts. Which means by doing a daily headstand, depression will decrease.
They say, a frown upside down is "a Smile!"
The estimated time for a headstand is 2 1/2 mins. ~ 12 tops.
And, common sense ~ If you have neck injuries.......Do Not do a headstand without proper supervision or without a good headstand bench.....which, they do make ~ Surprised?
I also remember from my yoga workout video, you should never do any type of inverted exercise while you are menstruating. They are also not recommend if you have extreme high blood pressure, acid reflex and if you are suffering from inner ear and eye problems.......due to the increased pressure, and blood flow when inverted.
Headstands help us by improving circulation. Since the body is inverted, it provides refreshed blood to our hypothalamus and pituitary glands - More on pituitary and hypothalamus glands ~ These glands are vital to our well being by helping to regulate other glands in our body. Such as: Thyroid, Pineal and as mentioned earlier Adrenals ~ also including our sexual hormones.
Headstands also allow any fluid retained in our feet to drain, which is said to reduce the onset and prevalence of varicose veins.
Headstands improve circulation because the heart constantly has to pump blood upward to the brain. When doing a headstand, you are helping the heart rest by reducing unnecessary strain helping de-oxygenated blood to flow more easily from the extremities to the heart. Also increasing a digestive fire and increase in body heat. Helping to cleanse the intestines by reversing the pull of gravity, while releasing congested blood in the colon.
For more interesting facts on headstands and a good reason to get off your feet, please click on the following links:
Sun & Moon
A Headstand a Day
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