MU
Advancedinversion

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana

मुक्त हस्त शीर्षासन

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana (Free Hands Headstand / Tripod Headstand) is a headstand balanced on the crown and two flat palms.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

4

Avoid If

5
  • Neck injuries
  • Wrist injuries
  • High blood pressure
  • Glaucoma
  • Pregnancy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Kicking up with momentum instead of controlled engagement
Collapsing into the shoulders — push the floor away
Holding the breath — maintain steady breathing
Looking around the room — keep the gaze steady
Coming down too quickly — lower with control

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Engage the core to maintain stability
  • 2Press firmly through the foundation — hands, forearms, or head
  • 3Keep the body in one straight line from base to feet
  • 4Breathe steadily — do not hold the breath
  • 5Come down slowly and with control

Pose Details

Helps With

strengthbalance

Pose Type

inversion

Body Focus

upper bodycore

Focus Areas

strengthbalance

Yoga Styles

iyengarashtanga

When to Practice

peak pose

Position

inverted

Modify If You Have

wrist injury

Do Salamba Sirsasana I (forearm headstand) instead.

Target Areas

DeltoidsAbsNeckForearm

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana (Free Hands Headstand / Tripod Headstand) is a headstand balanced on the crown and two flat palms.

How to Practice

1

1. Come onto knees.

2

2. Place hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart — fingers spread.

3

3. Crown of the head on the floor — form a triangle with the hands (tripod).

4

4. Tuck toes, lift hips.

5

5. Walk feet closer to the head.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mukta Hasta Sirsasana

What is Mukta Hasta Sirsasana?

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana (Free Hands Headstand / Tripod Headstand) is a headstand balanced on the crown and two flat palms.

What are the benefits of Mukta Hasta Sirsasana?

Builds shoulder and arm strength. Core stabilization. Improves balance and focus. Different base than Sirsasana I/II.

Who should avoid Mukta Hasta Sirsasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Neck injuries, Wrist injuries, High blood pressure, Glaucoma, Pregnancy.

How many steps are in Mukta Hasta Sirsasana?

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana is practiced in 10 steps. Come onto knees.

Is Mukta Hasta Sirsasana suitable for beginners?

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What props are needed for Mukta Hasta Sirsasana?

You may use: wall. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What conditions does Mukta Hasta Sirsasana help with?

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana is therapeutic for: strength, balance.

What poses should I do before Mukta Hasta Sirsasana?

Prepare with: Adho Mukha Svanasana, Standing Forward Bend, Forearm Stand. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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