SI
Advancedinversion

Sirsasana II

शीर्षासन II

Sirsasana II, or Supported Headstand, is an advanced inversion that strengthens the core, shoulders, and back while calming the brain and relieving stress. It requires significant strength, balance, and control.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Avoid If

5
  • Neck injury
  • Back injury
  • 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

Pose Type

inversionarm balancecore strengthener

Body Focus

shouldersneckcorefull body

Focus Areas

strengthbalancebreathing

Best For

athletesteens

Yoga Styles

iyengarhathaashtangavinyasa

When to Practice

peak posemorning

Position

inverted

Target Areas

AbsDeltoidsNeck

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Sirsasana II, or Supported Headstand, is an advanced inversion that strengthens the core, shoulders, and back while calming the brain and relieving stress. It requires significant strength, balance, and control.

How to Practice

1

1. Kneel on the floor in Vajrasana.

2

2. Place your elbows on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

3

3. Interlock your fingers, forming a triangle with your hands.

4

4. Place the crown of your head on the floor, inside the triangle formed by your hands.

5

5. Lift your knees off the floor, gradually lifting your body upwards, using your core for support.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sirsasana II

What is Sirsasana II?

Sirsasana II, or Supported Headstand, is an advanced inversion that strengthens the core, shoulders, and back while calming the brain and relieving stress. It requires significant strength, balance, and control.

What are the benefits of Sirsasana II?

Strengthens the core, shoulders, and back. Calms the brain and relieves stress. Stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands. Improves circulation. Increases energy and vitality.

Who should avoid Sirsasana II?

Avoid this pose if you have: Neck injury, Back injury, High blood pressure, Glaucoma, Pregnancy.

How many steps are in Sirsasana II?

Sirsasana II is practiced in 10 steps. Kneel on the floor in Vajrasana.

Is Sirsasana II suitable for beginners?

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

What props are needed for Sirsasana II?

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

What poses should I do before Sirsasana II?

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

Build Your Own Sequence

Combine Sirsasana II with other poses