Why is headstand the King of asanas?

Inverted postures, especially the headstand and shoulder stand, are unique innovations of our Yoga practice. The ancient yogis referred to Sirsasana (Headstand) as the King of asanas. In his book Light on Yoga, Iyengar explains that “just as a country cannot thrive without a strong and effective king (or head of state), a person cannot thrive without a strong and healthy brain…” Sirsasana increases the blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve mental function and increase focus. Along with helping to reduce fear and worry, this posture improves the ability to keep the mind sharp and clear.

Inverted postures assist the venous flow of blood towards the heart, which engorges with blood. The headstand powers a sluggish Apana Vayu, facilitating the body's downward and outward energy flow. The Agni (digestive fire) also gets powered. This helps in cleaning the intestines while releasing congested blood in the colon.

The whole body can feel its physiological impacts; its benefits include:

• Easing constipation

• Increased memory and intellectual capacity

• Improved concentration, willpower, focus

• Mental and physical harmony and balance

• Reduced fluid retention in the legs

• Thyroid, pituitary and pineal gland are stimulated

• Irrigates the brain

• Strengthens neck, shoulders and arm

• Stimulates circulation

• Revitalises entire mind and body

• It prevents greying and hair loss

• Relieves anxiety, strengthens the nervous system

• Eases asthma, hay fever, diabetes and menopausal imbalance

• Helps with insomnia

• A powerful influence on the crown chakra, which is in charge of connecting to the Divine and relates to the ability to tap into higher consciousness. It is from the crown chakra that all the other chakras emanate

• Also helps with opening the third-eye chakra giving mental clarity and renewed energy

• Allows re-direction of sexual energy into a higher spiritual energy

• There is some debate within the community about sirsasana’s effect on kundalini energy; some believe it awakens it whilst others say it calms an excess of it. My personal experience is a sense of awakening.

Although it is deemed an advanced asana, experienced yogis can practice this as a standalone activity without needing to warm up. The fact it offers such a plethora of benefits whilst also offering all the benefits that come from powerfully stimulating the crown chakra explains why it is befitting of the accolade King of asanas.