Shirshasan (Head Stand Pose)

Procedure 

• Progressively assume the final position of Ardh Shirshasan, steps v-vii.
• Take 2-3 small steps forward; then while inhaling (Radhey), bend your legs at the knees and slowly raise them one by one—off the floor.
• Gently, straighten your legs; try to balance on the crown and forearms.
• In the final state, make sure your head rests at the bottom on the floor while the feet on the top.
• Stay in this position to your comfort with normal breathing.
• Exhaling (Krishna), gradually bend the legs at the knees and carefully lower them to the floor—returning to the final position of Ardh Shirshasan.
• Then inhaling (Radhey), drop your knees to the floor and raising your upper body to erect position, return to Vajrasan.
• Perform all these steps unhurriedly and steadily; do not rush or make any rash movements.
• Finally, come into Shashankasan and relax for a while.

Note: Since this is one of the difficult asans, to begin with, you may take the support of a wall.  This asan should be done only under the guidance of a trained Yog instructor.  Sarvangasan is a safer asan to begin with.
Awareness

• On the balance in the last state
• On spontaneously remembering “Radhey Krishna” with your breaths and feeling Their presence everywhere

Benefits

• Shirshasan—one of the challenging poses—increases the blood circulation to the brain and pituitary glands, which boosts up the nervous system and memory power. 
• It is considered as the king of the asans because of its immense benefits. 
• As it corrects disorders related to the reproductive system, it produces a tremendous impact on women’s health.
• The weight of the abdominal organs in the diaphragm during its practice causes rapid exhalation, resulting in the expulsion of carbon dioxide, toxins, and bacteria. 
• Also, it rectifies asthma, hay fever, diabetes, and menopausal imbalances. 

Contraindications

• Person with high blood pressure, heart disease, swollen ears, acute asthma, weak eye blood vessels, vertebral problems, myopia, and weak blood vessels in the body should avoid it.