Quarter Headstand Posture: Sirsasana

Alternative spellings of Sirsasana (literally  'head  posture') are Sirshasana, Shirsasana, and Shirshasana.

The Quarter Headstand is achieved by going into the Embarrassed Child's Posture, and then straightening the legs and moving the feet forward cautiously until the trunk is perpendicular to the floor and supported by the top of the skull, the inner edges of the hands (which cup the back of the head with the fingers interlaced and interlocked), the forearms and elbows, and the toes of both feet. Breathe freely and stay in the pose for six to ten seconds at first, increasing the duration of immobility as the body becomes more accustomed to the inverted position.

Following the pose, sit on the heels for a minute or so while the blood flows away from the head. Come out of the pose slowly -otherwise an abrupt reversal of the body position could cause giddiness.

A multiplicity of benefits are claimed for the Headstand, ‘the King of Asanas’. The Quarter Headstand Posture shares some of these benefits, though reduced to some extent since some weight is taken on the toes and the legs slanting downwards. The back and neck are strengthened, and the legs firmed. The brain, scalp, neck, and facial tissues are nourished with blood.

Caution: the inverted postures are not suitable for persons suffering from high blood pressure, heart trouble, or ailments of the brain, eyes, nose, ears, and neck. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts in the matter.