Introduction
That’s a really good question—why go to all that effort? Learning headstand properly does take time and dedication.
So, how does headstand make you feel? How does it change you? Everybody’s experience is different. I’ve had students practice it to calm their minds, to relieve emotional tension, or even to ease stress-related headaches. Some have even had life-changing insights or epiphanies while in headstand!
Personally, I can’t imagine life without headstand—it’s been a part of my practice for so long. The books describe the benefits as a sense of stability and clarity of mind, and I’d agree. For me, it’s that feeling of “everything is okay.” It quiets the endless “to-do” or “I should” lists in my head, giving me much-needed mental space.
When I practice the more challenging variations, I feel an enormous sense of accomplishment—like I’ve nailed something important. It boosts my confidence, reminds me what I’m capable of, and elevates my self-esteem.
Physical and Physiological Benefits
The most obvious benefit? Strength and flexibility. You’ll build up the muscles and mobility in your shoulders, arms, and upper torso as you progress in Sirsasana. These muscles are key for lifting the body away from the neck and holding that lift. Plus, your body and organs get an anti-gravitational lift, which gives them a refreshing break from the constant downward pull of gravity.
When you’re upside down, the circulatory system shifts. There’s less strain on the heart, and your lymphatic flow improves, helping to clear out toxins.
But for me, the real game-changer is the increased blood flow to the head and brain. This nourishes your brain cells and stimulates the endocrine glands—the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus in your brain, and the thyroid and parathyroid in your neck. All of this means better hormonal health, which affects everything: sleep cycles, stress levels, metabolism, and even your sex hormones. Keeping these systems balanced is vital for feeling your best.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
The mental and emotional benefits of headstand overlap with the hormonal effects—it’s all connected. Many people notice a shift in their mood when their practice includes Sirsasana.
The simplest benefit is the sense of achievement you feel the first time you lift up into the pose. Conquering fear is a huge part of inversions, and the confidence boost is incredible.
The more subtle benefits take time to unfold. You need to be comfortable and relaxed in headstand and able to hold it for a little while to experience the full effects. Once you reach that point, though, there’s a calmness and serenity that’s hard to describe. It’s like a mental pause, a moment of stillness where everything just slows down.
Cautions
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—headstand, if done incorrectly, can hurt your neck. If you have a pre-existing neck issue, it may not be the pose for you.
The Iyengar method of teaching ensures you’re well-prepared for headstand, giving you alteratives where needed. Iyengar teachers are trained to guide you step-by-step, teaching you how to practice safely and effectively so you can enjoy all the benefits without the risks.
Conclusion
The benefits of a well-practiced Sirsasana keep adding up over time. As the months and years of practice roll by, inversions become an essential tool for maintaining a positive mood, healthy body systems, sharp mind, and steady emotions.
I highly recommend finding an experienced teacher to guide you as you learn Sirsasana. It’s an amazing practice that can truly change your perspective—on and off the mat!