Vinyala

Pose sheet

Bound-Hands Headstand A–D

Baddha Hasta Śīrṣāsana Aबद्धहस्तशीर्षासन

Balance on your crown and forearms, fingers interlaced and legs together vertically.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown, both forearms, and the little-finger edges of the hands.

Enter

  1. Kneel; place forearms down, elbows shoulder-width apart, and interlace fingers.
  2. Place your crown down; cup your hands behind your head.
  3. Lift your knees; walk your feet closer with legs straight.
  4. Press your forearms down; bring your hips toward vertical.
  5. Lift both straight legs together, without kicking.

Hold

  1. Press your forearms down and lift your shoulders away from the floor.
  2. Gently engage your abdominals; keep your torso vertical.
  3. Keep legs together, straighten your knees, and point your feet.

Exit

  1. Bend your knees and slowly lower your feet, exhaling.
  2. Lower your knees and rest in Child's Pose.
Breathing
Inhale while lifting your legs; breathe slowly while holding.
Gaze
Tip of your nose, without turning your head.
Duration
Five breaths per variation.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • WallKeep your back toward the wall; rest your heels against it.
  • BlanketPlace a folded blanket beneath your crown and both forearms.
  • Bent-knee entryDraw your knees toward your chest; then straighten both legs.
  • Preparation: DolphinKeep feet and forearms grounded, with your head lifted.

Variations

  • B: cross forearms; each hand holds the opposite elbow.
  • C: parallel forearms and grounded palms, with crown also grounded.
  • D: crown and elbows grounded; palms toward the outer shoulders.

Signals of effort

  • Inverted, with weight on your head and forearms.
  • Feet unsupported.