पार्श्व शीर्षासन

Neck Injury / Cervical Issues

Looking up, bearing head weight, or unsupported neck rotation can compress cervical vertebrae and irritate nerves.

Avoid all weight-bearing on the head and neck; practise supported Setu Bandha or legs-up-the-wall instead.

Shoulder Injury

Overhead loading and extreme shoulder rotation can impinge the subacromial space and overload rotator cuff tendons.

Avoid weight-bearing inversions entirely; practise supported Setu Bandha or Viparita Karani as an alternative.

High Blood Pressure

Vigorous effort and inverted positions temporarily raise blood pressure in the head, increasing strain on blood vessels.

Avoid this inversion entirely or keep the head above heart level at all times; never hold the breath.

Glaucoma / Eye Pressure

Inverted and head-below-heart positions increase intraocular pressure, which can be harmful for those with elevated eye pressure.

Avoid this inversion entirely; practise Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall) with a bolster under the hips as an alternative.