Sirsasana 1.

The whole weight of the body should be borne on the head alone and not on the forearms and hands. The forearms and hands are to be used only for support to check any loss of balance. In a good pose you feel a circle, about the size of any Indian rupee, of the head in contact with the blanket on the floor. 2. The back of the head, the trunk, and the back of the thighs and the heels should be in a line perpendicular to the floor and not inclined to one side. The throat, chin and breast bone should be in one line, otherwise the head will tilt to one side or move forward. As regards the interlocked hands behind the head, the palms should not be stuck into the head. The upper and lower sides of the palms should be in a line, otherwise the crown of the head will not rest on the floor correctly. . The elbows and the shoulders should be in a line and the elbows should not be widened. The shoulders should be kept as high above the floor as possible by moving them up and stretching them sideways. In order to learn the correct shoulder stretch, release the interlocked fingers and remove the hands from behind the head and widen the wrists from the forearms, keeping the elbows stationary. !lace the wrists on the floor with the palms facing up, touch the shoulders with the fingers, keeping the wrists on the floor and maintain the balance.. This will not only improve the balance but also prepare you for the other "irsasana poses described later. #. As to the position of the trunk, the dorsal region should be pushed forward as well as up. The lumbar $waist% and pelvic regions should not be pushed forward, while the trunk from the shoulders to the pelvis should be kept perpendicular. If the pelvic area &ust forward, it means that you are bearing the weight of the body not on the head alone but also on the elbows for you have not stretched the dorsal region $the chest% correctly. 'hen viewed form the side, the body from the neck to the heels should appear straight. (. As far as possible, try and &oin the thighs, knees, ankles, and toes. "tretch the legs fully, especially the back of the knees and thighs. If the legs swing back tighten the knees and the lower median portion of the abdomen above the pubes. This will keep the legs perpendicular. )eep the toes pointing up. If the legs swing forward, stretch the dorsal region and push the pelvic area slightly back until it is in line with the shoulders. The body will then feel light and the pose will be e*hilarating. +. 'hile going up or coming down, move both legs together, inch by inch. All the movements should be done with e*halation. Inhale while waiting in a position. The effect of going down and coming up straight without bending the legs at the knees is that harmonious slow movement is gained and the flow of blood to the head is controlled. The face does not flush from &erky and fast movements, as th flow of blood to the waist and the legs is also controlled. Then there is no danger of losing balance from giddiness or numbness of the feet when one stands up immediately after the head balance. In course of time the whole movement of going up, staying and coming down should become as effortless as possible. In a perfect "irsasana your body feels completely stretched and at the same time you e*perience a feeling of complete rela*ation.

,ffects 1. -egular practice of "irsasana makes healthy pure blood flow through the brain cells. This re&uvenates them so that thinking power increases and thoughts become clearer. This asana is a tonic for people whose brains tire .uickly. It ensures a proper blood supply to the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain. /ur growth, health, and vitality depend on the proper functioning of these two glands. 2. !eople suffering form loss of sleep, memory and vitality have recovered by the regular and correct practice of this asana and have become fountains of energy. The lungs gain the power to resist any climate and standup to any work, which relieves one from colds, coughs, tonsillitis, halitosis, and palpitations. It keeps the body warm. 0oupled with "arvangasana movements, it is a boon to people suffering form constipation. -egular practice of "irsasana will should marked improvement in the hemoglobin content of the blood. . It is not advisable to start with "irsasana and "arvangasana when one suffers from high or low blood pressure.