Shirshasana is an important cultural asana. In this asana, one stands on one`s head, kneel on the ground, interlocking the fingers of both hands. The asana is highly useful for almost all the human body systems, and helps ease varicose veins, arterioscleroris, high blood pressure and a host of other illnesses.

Meaning of Shirshasana
Shirsha translates to `head` in Sanskrit, and the asana is termed such because the practitioner essentially balances his outstretched body on his head using a hand lock.

Yoga Texts and Shirshasana
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika does describe a posture that it does not classify as an asana, but as a Mudra, named Viparita Karani, and the steps for execution, and the final pose, is strongly similar to the contemporary Shirshasana. It asserts that he who practices the posture for at least two hours a day for six months `conquers death.`

Other classical yoga texts do not mention the Shirshasana by name. However, the Shri Tattva Nidhi, an iconographic encyclopaedia on Hindu subjects compiled in Karnataka during the 19th century does list the Sirsasana.

Practice of Shirshasana
Regular practice of Shirshasana will benefit the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, excretory and endocrine systems. This asana helps cases of varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, jaundice, dyspepsia, seminal weakness, renal colic and congested liver. Those suffering from oozing from the ears, high blood pressure or a weak heart should refrain from practicing this asana.

Practice of Shirshasana
A step by step process for performing Shirshasana follows.

1. Sit on soles. Place knees on the ground.

2. Frame finger lock with both hands.

3. Making a triangle from finger-lock and elbows, place it on ground.

4. Bending forward, place middle of the head on the ground near finger-lock.

5. Now straighten your legs.

6. Slowly bring the legs neck your body.

7. Soles will automatically leave the ground by practice and thighs knees will touch the abdomen.

8. Now keeping the balance straighten your legs from thigh-joint, knees will remain folded.

9. Now straighten the knees also and completely balance your body on head.

10. While returning to the original position fold your knee first. Then fold your legs from thigh and let the thigh and knee touch your abdomen.

11. Now slowly place the soles on the ground. Slowly raise your head also and sit on soles.

Effects of Shirshasana

1. This increases the blood circulation in head and memory power is improved.

2. This strengthens the nervous-centres of the whole body and maintains the health of endocrine glands

3. Digestive system is also benefited through this Asana.

4. Sirsasana is also believed to be beneficial against congested throat, diseases of liver and spleen and in Visceroptosis.

5. Calms the mind.

6. Strengthens the arms, legs and spine.

7. Improves balance.

Precautions for the practice of Shirshasana

1. While practicing Sirsasana, place that part of head on the ground on which the spine can remain erect.

2. Do not raise legs with jerk. Slow and gradual practice will raise legs up automatically.

3. In the beginning, practice it under the guidance of a teacher because there is a fear of falling down.

4. While returning, do not raise the head soon after completing asana. There remains a fear of getting giddiness. Therefore, keep head near finger-lock for some time and then raise it up.

5. Those suffering from high blood pressure, running ear or heart disease should not practice it.

6. Those having cough or chronic cold also should not practice it.

7. Persons suffering from constipation should practice it carefully