Yoga Health Secrets

Yoga for asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever

The variations of the Headstand are many and the adventurous among my readers might like to try a few, though please apply the same care in each case when coming down. Roll your body into a ball and so avoid spills.

Variation 1. Your hands, instead of being laced behind your head, are kept separate. As you rise into the Headstand the hands should be fiat on the floor, palms downwards, about six inches on either side of your head. While in this position you may either straighten your legs as already described or bend your knees and place the soles of your feet together. This stretches the muscles of the shoulders and thighs.

Variation 2. In the above position the legs are crossed at the knees and again at the ankles. This tones and stretches the muscles of the thighs and legs and helps to relieve varicose veins.

Variation 3. Again in the above position with the hands on either side of the head, stretch your legs as wide apart as possible until you are doing the splits upside down.

Variation 4. Here the hands are in a different position. Before you rise into the Headstand, raise your arms above your head with the elbows bent, with your hands grasping the opposite forearms. Now rise into position and keep your legs straight up in the air.

Variation 5. Perform the classical Headstand with the hands laced at the back of the head and then, with your feet together, bring your legs forward until they are at right angles to your body.

Variation 6. This is one of the most advanced Yoga asanas called Oorhwapadmasana or the HEADSTAND LOTUS POSE. While in the Headstand fold your legs into the Lotus Pose and remain thus for as long as you can. This one is not for the beginner but the practised student will find it surprisingly easy.

Variation 7. If you can perform the Headstand Lotus Position you can proceed a step farther. While in this position twist the body from the waist to the right, to the left, and so on from side to side. This exercises the muscles of the waistline and sheers off fat in this area.

Variation 8. Still in the Headstand Lotus Pose bring your crossed legs down until your body is bent double. This needs especial care when you are coming out of it. Do so as follows. Straighten your body first, uncross your legs, stretch them up in the air, bend your knees, and descend with safety.

Variation 9. Though I could take up a whole chapter on describing the many variations of the Headstand I will make this the last one because I would like you to go on to something else which many of you will find a little easier. In this variation of the Headstand the first and last variations are combined. Here the hands are placed on either side of the head, the legs are then crossed in the Lotus Position and the legs are brought down until the body is bent double. Again please take care when coming out of the position.